[Protest Against VA Contract Award for Auctioneering Services]

A firm protested a Veterans Administration (VA) contract award for auctioneering services, contending that VA: (1) should have awarded it the contract as the low bidder; (2) improperly used the incumbent's cost advantage in evaluating bids; and (3) improperly evaluated its technical proposal. GAO held that: (1) VA improperly awarded the contract, based on an evaluation factor other than those stated in the solicitation; and (2) the protester was entitled to reimbursement for its bid and protest preparation costs. Accordingly, the protest was sustained, and GAO recommended that VA: (1) refrain from exercising any contract options; and (2) conduct a new procurement for its future needs.