Use of Improper Procurement Procedures for Janitorial Services Contracts

The protester objected to the award of a contract for janitorial services, contending that the agency did not conduct meaningful negotiations with it. The award which incorporated a revised cost proposal submitted by the successful offerer was not made under initial proposal authority. The agency failed to conduct meaningful negotiations with the unsuccessful competitive offerer, but negotiation may not be used to secure a desired level of quality of supplies or services. Since the contract was not illegally awarded, cancellation was not recommended. However, options in the questioned negotiated contract and in similar outstanding janitorial services contracts should not be exercised, and the agency should immediately improve the formal advertising procurement method for future needs.