[Protest of DEA Solicitation for Lease of Word Processing Equipment]

A firm protested Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) solicitation specifications for the lease of computer equipment, contending that: (1) the software requirement was unduly restrictive, since the required software was proprietary to the awardee; (2) the delivery terms gave the awardee an undue advantage, since its equipment was already at the DEA sites; (3) DEA was unreasonably procuring computer equipment and services together; and (4) it was entitled to reimbursement for its bid protest and preparation costs. GAO held that: (1) DEA reasonably demonstrated that the software requirement was essential to its needs; (2) DEA reasonably required equipment delivery; (3) DEA properly and reasonably chose a total-package procurement approach; and (4) the protester was not entitled to reimbursement for its bid and protest preparation costs. Accordingly, the protest was dismissed in part and denied in part, and the claim was denied.