Protest to Award of Subcontract by Prime Management Contractor

A company protested award of any subcontract, alleging that it was denied the opportunity to compete. GAO reviewed the subcontract award since it involved a prime management contractor who operates a Department of Energy (DOE) facility. The protest was denied because: the fact that manufacturers who did not know the purpose of procurement were dealt with directly by the procuring activity was not prejudicial to the protester, the Air Force determination to utilize the expertise of the DOE contractor was within its discretion, and the decision as to whether procurement should be set aside for small business was within the authority and discretion of the contracting agency.