Does filing a GAO protest stop the awardee from starting work, and for how long?

Yes, filing a bid protest at the Government Accountability Office (GAO) can stop an awardee from starting work if the protest is filed within specific timelines, triggering an automatic stay.

The automatic stay applies when the agency receives notice of a protest from GAO within 10 days after contract award or within 5 days after a debriefing date offered for a required debriefing, whichever is later. The contracting officer must then suspend performance or terminate the awarded contract unless the head of the contracting activity makes a written finding that continuing performance is in the government's best interest or there is an urgent need, as described in FAR 33.104(c)(1) and (2). The stay lasts until the GAO issues its decision, which is within 100 days after the protest is filed, or within 65 days under the express option (4 CFR 21.9(a) and (b)).

If the agency determines there is an urgent or critical need, they can override the automatic stay with a written finding. During a stay, the incumbent's contract might be extended to ensure continuity of services, depending on the agency's needs and the specifics of the contract. As for future bids, agencies are generally prohibited from retaliating against a company for filing a protest, and a protest decision is part of public record, but it does not automatically impact how a company is viewed for future bids.