[Protest Concerning NASA Request for Carriers' Rate Tenders for Marine Transportation Services]

A firm protested the National Aeronautics and Space Administration's (NASA) selection of another firm to perform barge towing services. NASA requested rate tenders for the required services under the terms of the Transportation Act of 1940 and contended that, since it intended to pay for the services under a government bill of lading, it was not acquiring the services under procurement statutes and regulations subject to GAO authority. GAO held that it would not consider the protest because the matter was outside of the scope of its bid protest authority. Accordingly, the protest was dismissed.