By Anthony I. Shin, Esq. | Federal Contracting & Compliance Law Attorney | Shin Law Office
In federal contracting, few moments are as tense or as critical as the filing or defense of a bid protest.
You’ve poured time, strategy, and resources into a proposal.
You followed every FAR clause, aligned your pricing, built a strong team, and submitted everything on time.
Then, the award notice drops, and the outcome doesn’t just feel wrong….it is wrong.
Or maybe you’re on the other side. You won the award fair and square, only to be hit with a protest that threatens to stall or cancel the entire contract before you even get started.
I’ve seen both sides. And here’s what I’ll tell you: bid protests are not just procedural.
They are personal. They are strategic.
And they can shape how agencies and competitors view your business for years to come.
Why Bid Protests Matter More Than You Think
In Loudoun and Fairfax County, two of the most competitive federal contracting corridors in the country, bid protests are more than a last-ditch effort.
They are a weapon and a shield.
They can expose bias, hold agencies accountable, protect your pipeline, and signal to competitors that you’re not the contractor who backs down quietly.
But filing or defending without the proper legal strategy can backfire.
When You Should Protest
Not every unfavorable award decision is worth challenging. But there are real, legal grounds that may justify a protest, including:
- The agency failed to follow its own solicitation rules
- An offeror didn’t meet technical or past performance requirements
- There was unequal treatment during the evaluation process
- A competitor received unfair preference or an improper advantage
- A key FAR provision was ignored or misapplied
If you’re asking, “Is this protestable?” you need a legal partner who knows how to answer with speed and clarity. That’s where I come in.
What I Do for You
At Shin Law Office, I advise contractors who are either filing a protest or defending a hard-won contract from attack.
My role is straightforward: to protect your business, preserve your reputation, and ensure that federal procurement remains fair.
Here’s how I help:
- Evaluate Grounds for Protest
I don’t waste your time or budget on weak challenges. I identify whether the facts and FAR violations support a legitimate filing. - Prepare and File Protest Documents
Whether at the GAO, the Court of Federal Claims, or with the agency itself, I ensure that your protest is compelling, timely, and supported by sound legal authority. - Defend Against a Protest
If your award is under scrutiny, I step in quickly to defend your standing, demonstrate compliance, and ensure the agency’s decision holds up under review. - Guide You Through the Timeline
Bid protests operate on tight deadlines. I keep your case moving, preserve your rights, and make sure nothing slips through the cracks. - Preserve Agency Relationships
Protesting doesn’t have to burn bridges. I help you take action professionally so you stay in the game long after the protest ends.
What’s at Stake?
Let’s be real. Federal contracting isn’t a game.
It’s your business. Your pipeline. Your employees. Your future.
Failing to protest when you should sends a signal to your competitors and to the agency that you’ll roll over.
Filing recklessly tells the market you’re unprepared. But strategic action? That sends the message that your company takes compliance, opportunity, and fairness seriously.
Final Word
Facing a difficult decision in Loudoun or Fairfax County?
Don’t go it alone.
Bid protests are quick, technical, and high stakes.
You need a legal partner who knows the process, speaks FAR fluently, and is poised to act quickly and decisively.
Let’s fight for your victory, or challenge that which shouldn’t have been awarded.
Anthony I. Shin, Esq.
