The firm’s client submitted the low bid for a major Southern California light rail transit project valued in excess of $55 million. The second low bidder protested award to the firm’s client, alleging the client lacked the required operating joint-use system (freight and passenger) rail experience to be awarded the project. The firm responded to the protest, detailing the low bidder’s experience, and represented the client at a responsibility hearing before a multi-agency panel. Based on the firm’s response and the responsibility hearing, the owner rejected the protest. The second-low bidder appealed the initial rejection and the firm again responded. Ultimately, the owner rejected the appeal and awarded the project to the firm’s client.
Counsel: P. Randolph Finch Jr.