Improper Procurement Procedures

The protester objected to the award of a contract for an electronic shelf filing cabinet system. The figure used to calculate the load stress of the floor under the proposed filing equipment was different from that set forth in the request for proposals; the failure to amend the request for proposals to indicate the change and permit offerors to submit revised proposals was improper. The award on the initial proposal basis, without discussions, was improper since there was technical uncertainty regarding the floor load stress. The offeror was not entitled to proposal preparation costs because it did not appear that the offeror would have received the award except for the Government's action.