When does the automatic stay apply during a GAO bid protest?

The automatic stay applies when the agency receives notice of a protest from the Government Accountability Office (GAO) within 10 days after contract award or within 5 days after a debriefing date offered for a required debriefing, whichever is later. The protest does not have to be filed before the debriefing. The contracting officer must then suspend performance or terminate the awarded contract, unless the head of the contracting activity makes a written best-interests or urgency finding. This rule is found in FAR 33.104(c)(1) and (2).

For federal service contracts like the one you're looking at, these timelines are critical for triggering the stay. If you're dealing with state or local government, the rules for protests and stays will be different. State and local buys follow their own state procurement codes and the vendor guide for their specific procurement portal, so you would need to check those for exact timing and procedures.