Charge of Inadequate and Unfair Competition

The protester alleged that the award of a contract was the result of inadequate and unfair competition because an alternative product not available to the protester was considered for award. This protest was untimely since it was not filed prior to the date set for receipt of proposals. The solicitation clearly provided for the consideration of specified alternative products. The fact that the protester as the former incumbent might suffer financial hardship as a result of loss of the contract provides no basis for questioning the award where cost was established as the sole criterion for discriminating among competitors.