[Protest of Army Decision Not To Set Aside IFB for Maintenance Dredging]

A firm protested the Army Corps of Engineers' decision not to issue a solicitation for maintenance dredging as a small business set-aside, contending that the Army could have obtained reasonable bids from at least two responsible small business bidders. The Army contended that the protest was untimely filed. GAO held that: (1) the protest was timely filed because the Army received it before bid opening and was aware of the basis for protest; and (2) the Army properly determined, after reviewing the procurement history for similar services, that there was no reasonable expectation that at least two responsible small businesses could submit bids. Accordingly, the protest was denied.