No Harm, No Foul: GAO Reminds Protesters that Competitive Prejudice Must Be Shown When the Agency Waives a Material Solicitation Requirement

In J&J Maintenance, Inc. , B-423821.2; B-423821.3 (April 20, 2026) , the Government Accountability Office (“GAO”) issued a decision that provides a helpful reminder for government contractors pursuing bid protests. In particular, the decision reinforces the principle that mere identification of a waived or relaxed material solicitation requirement is insufficient for GAO to sustain a protest.