[Protests of Air Force Solicitations for Grounds Maintenance Services and Refuse Collection and Disposal Services]

A firm protested two Air Force solicitations for grounds maintenance and refuse collection and disposal, contending that the Air Force's use of firm, fixed-price contracts with no cost-reimbursement line items for equipment upkeep and replacement improperly subjected bidders to unreasonable financial risks. The protester also claimed reimbursement for its protest costs. GAO held that: (1) there was no requirement that solicitations eliminate all risk; (2) the solicitations included sufficient information for bidders to compete intelligently, since the Air Force clearly delineated the required tasks and encouraged site visits for equipment examination; and (3) the protester was not entitled to reimbursement for its protest costs. Accordingly, the protests were denied.