(c)(1) The relevant contracting officer coordinates DOL's response to procurement protests filed with the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO), in consultation with DOL legal counsel at the Office of the Solicitor.

(2) The authority of the Agency Head under FAR 33.102(b) to determine that a solicitation, proposed award, or award does not comply with the requirements of law or regulation is delegated to the HCA.

(a) The relevant contracting officer will be the point of contact for agency-level protests. Upon receipt of an agency level protest, the contracting officer immediately notifies the Director of Strategy and Administration within the OSPE and the Office of the Solicitor of the protest.

(b) OSPE's Director of Strategy and Administration is the Agency Protest Official.

(a) Protests before award. The authority of the relevant HCA under FAR 33.104(b) to authorize a contract award when the agency has received notice from the GAO of a protest filed directly with the GAO is nondelegable. In coordination with the Office of the Solicitor, the HCA prepares the written finding with the information required by FAR 33.104(b)(1).

(b) Protests after award. The authority of the HCA under FAR 33.104(c) to authorize contract performance when the agency has received notice from the GAO of a protest filed directly with the GAO is nondelegable. In coordination with the Office of the Solicitor, the HCA prepares and provides to the GAO the written finding with the information required by FAR 33.104(c)(2).

(c) Notice to the GAO. The authority of the HCA under FAR 33.104(g), to report to the GAO the failure to fully implement the GAO recommendations with respect to a solicitation for a contract or an award or a proposed award of a contract within 60 days of receiving the GAO recommendations, is nondelegable. The written notice must be coordinated with the Office of the Solicitor.