Which entity is often involved in resolving award protests at the federal level?

The Government Accountability Office (GAO) is the entity that plays a significant role in resolving award protests at the federal level.

When a bidder believes that a procurement decision violates regulations or the terms of the solicitation, they can file a protest with the GAO. This independent agency is responsible for reviewing these protests to determine whether the agency followed the correct procedures during the procurement process. The GAO's role is central because it ensures fairness and accountability in federal procurement, allowing for oversight and checks on government contracting actions. It conducts thorough investigations and provides resolutions, making decisions that can lead to corrective actions if a protest is upheld.

In contrast, the other entities listed do not have a direct role in this specific area. The U.S. Supreme Court primarily deals with legal appeals on significant constitutional or federal law issues. The Federal Trade Commission focuses on promoting consumer protection and competition within markets, which does not directly address procurement disputes. The Department of Justice may be involved in legal matters related to federal contracts, but it does not specifically handle the award protest process. Thus, the GAO stands out as the correct and relevant authority for resolving such issues within federal contracting.