When does the automatic stay on contract performance apply during a GAO protest?

The automatic stay on contract performance applies to a GAO protest under specific conditions related to when the agency receives notice of the protest. The contracting officer must suspend contract performance or terminate the awarded contract if the agency receives notice of a GAO protest within 10 days after contract award, or within 5 days after a debriefing date offered for a required debriefing, whichever is later (FAR 33.104(c)(1) and (2)). This means that if the losing bidder filed the protest and the agency was notified within these specific windows, the automatic stay would be in effect for your contract. The only exception is if the head of the contracting activity makes a written finding that continued performance is in the government's best interests or that urgent and compelling circumstances significantly affect the interests of the United States (FAR 33.104(c)(2)). State and local government procurements follow their own specific procurement codes, which may have different rules regarding protests and stays.