[Protest of VA Solicitation for Laboratory Testing]

A firm protested a Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) solicitation for laboratory testing services, contending that the solicitation: (1) improperly prohibited bidders from using subcontractors to perform the contract; and (2) unduly restricted competition by requiring the bidders to be certified, accredited, and licensed. GAO held that the solicitation specifications were reasonably related to VA minimum needs. Accordingly, the protest was denied.