Protest Alleging Restrictive Solicitation Specification

The protester objected to several requirements specified in an amended solicitation for helicopter services, alleging that the restrictions unfairly limited responsive bids to operators using a particular helicopter. There was no reasonable basis for the agency's requirement regarding the aircraft door opening size. It could not be concluded that there was no reasonable basis for the specifications regarding takeoff and landing capabilities, climb rate, and landing skids. The agency should conduct tests to determine whether the protester's helicopter could meet the agency's landing and rappelling requirements, and the agency should be prepared to justify the climb requirement with objective evidence in the event of future protests.