Protest against Administrative Costs Evaluation Factor

A company protested, prior to bid opening, the manner in which bids were solicited, contending: (1) that the agency makes the possibility of multiple awards unlikely due to a $100 administrative costs evaluation factor; and (2) because some bidders will not bid due to this cost factor, competition will be diminished. The provision in the solicitation regarding the administrative costs evaluation factor is a legitimate method of evaluation under procurement regulations. The bidder has no control over the prices, but this will not affect the level of competition.