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GAO Won't Consider Non-Competes Because They Are Considered to be Private Disputes

Writer's picture: R.D. Lieberman,ConsultantR.D. Lieberman,Consultant

Strativia, LLC protested award of a task order to Field Data Technology (“FDT”) under a Department of Agriculture solicitation for support of a Retailer Service Center for Supplemental Nutrition Assistant Program (“SNAP”) benefits. (SNAP was previously known as the “Food Stamps” program). Strativia LLC, B-421511 et al, June 14, 2023. Strativia protested that Agriculture unreasonably and separately evaluation offers under technical capability and past performance factors.


While the Government Accountability Office (“GAO) denied all of the multiple grounds of protest, this review only examines one ground which asserted that FDT’s proposed project manager and half of its proposed staff were not available to perform for FDT because they were incumbent staff who had signed non-compete agreements with Strativia. (A non-compete agreement prohibits employees from working for other companies within a geographic area for a certain period after the employee leaves a company.)


GAO noted that the question of whether personnel identified in an offer will actually perform under a subsequently awarded contract is generally a matter of contract administration which GAO does not review. GAO also noted that Strativia’s non-compete agreements were not, by themselves, sufficient to establish that FDT did not have a reasonable basis to expect to furnish its proposed project manager and staff for performance. The question here was whether the non-competes were enforceable, and this matter pertains to the obligations between private parties. The GAO stated tht it does not review private disputes such as the enforceability of non-compete agreements, and therefore cannot consider whether non-compete agreements render the awardee’s offer unacceptable in this case. Accordingly, GAO denied the protest.


Takeaway. Each state has separate caselaw on non-competes. Some states permit enforcement, while others have found some of these agreements are too broad and not enforceable. Basing your protest on a non-compete is not likely to win at the GAO.




For other helpful suggestions on government contracting, visit:

Richard D. Lieberman’s FAR Consulting & Training at https://www.richarddlieberman.com/, and Mistakes in Government Contracting at https://richarddlieberman.wixsite.com/mistakes.



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The website of Richard Donald Lieberman, a government contracts consultant and retired attorney who is the author of both "The 100 Worst Mistakes in Government Contracting" (with Jason Morgan) and "The 100 Worst Government Mistakes in Government Contracting." Richard Lieberman concentrates on Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) consulting and training, including  commercial item contracting (FAR Part 12), compliance with proposal requirements (FAR Part 15 negotiated procurement), sealed bidding (FAR Part 14), compliance with solicitation requirements, contract administration (FAR Part 42), contract modifications and changes (FAR Part 43), subcontracting and flowdown requirements (FAR Part 44), government property (FAR Part 45), quality assurance (FAR Part 46), obtaining invoiced payments owed to contractors,  and other compliance with the FAR. Mr.Lieberman is also involved in numerous community service activities.  See LinkedIn profile at https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-d-lieberman-3a25257a/.This website and blog are for educational and information purposes only.  Nothing posted on this website constitutes legal advice, which can only be obtained from a qualified attorney. Website Owner/Consultant does not engage in the practice of law and will not provide legal advice or legal services based on competence and standing in the law. Legal filings and other aspects of a legal practice must be performed by an appropriate attorney. Using this website does not establish an attorney-client relationship. Although the author strives to present accurate information, the information provided on this site is not guaranteed to be complete, correct or up-to-date.  The views expressed on this blog are solely those of the author. FAR Consulting & Training, Bethesda, Maryland, Tel. 202-520-5780, rliebermanconsultant@gmail.com

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