Protest Against Nonresponsibility Determination

The low bidder protested the agency's determination that it was nonresponsible because of failure to perform successfully on a similar contract and contended that the agency acted "precipitously" in making the award to the next low bidder. The determination of nonresponsibility was based on reasonable grounds, including a negative preaward survey. Referral of the determination to the Small Business Administration for a Certificate of Competency was not required since procurement was urgent, and the urgency determination was properly authorized.