Did FedBid overstep? The GAO says yes.

It was only a $5,000 contract. But Latvian Connection LLC still protested its exclusion from a competition, claiming that the matter should have been forwarded along to the Small Business Administration — not decided by FedBid Inc., a private “agent of the government.”

Protesting contractor: Latvian Connection LLC, of Kuwait City, Kuwait

Contracting agency: Department of State

Protest issue: Whether FedBid, acting as an agent for the government by providing reverse auction services, should…

Case closed: Court denies protest over VA contract to verify veteran small businesses

Veteran community, rejoice: It appears the legal wrangling about who should support the Department of Veterans Affairs program to verify veteran-owned small businesses is over.

The U.S. Court of Federal Claims denied a protest from Monterey Consultants Inc. claiming the VA improperly revoked its contract to manage the Center for Veterans Enterprise in November.

The VA instead awarded the work to another company, Loch Harbour Group in Alexandria after Loch Harbour filed a protest, saying Monterey…

Nike store in Hecht Warehouse will open Thursday

The Nike Factory store planned for the Hecht Warehouse project in Northeast D.C. is expected to open April 9, according to a Nike spokeswoman.

The Ivy City store, which will be the athletic brand’s first “community store” in Greater Washington, will join MOM’s Organic Market at the mixed-use development at 1301 New York Ave. NE.

The community store model is different than your typical Nike Factory in an outlet mall. Nike ( NYSE: NKE) rolled out the first one in its hometown of Portland in 2012,…

All Set is almost ready, and a new Turkish restaurant for Dupont

Silver Spring’s latest restaurant option, All Set restaurant and bar, opens April 14 at 8630 Fenton St. The New England-inspired restaurant from chef Edward Reavis — formerly of District Commons/Burger Tap & Shake and Tico, among others — and co-owner Jennifer Meltzer will seat more than 160, including 24 on the outdoor patio.

The restaurant’s design, by Streetsense, features a navy-and-white color scheme and rope-themed accents, including chandeliers and room dividers. The menu will rest heavily…

National security media startup raises $1.3M seed round led by Alsop Louie, angels

Media startup The Cipher Online, which will provide national security news targeted at the business community, has raised $1.3 million in seed funding led by San Francisco-based Alsop Louie Partners.

According to founder Suzanne Kelly, the round also included four angel investors from across the country with an interest in the national security space.

Kelly said the news product would be focused on highlighting both international risks and opportunities for the national business community — industries…