[Protest of DFSC Solicitation for Jet and Diesel Fuel]

A firm protested a Defense Fuel Supply Center (DFSC) solicitation for jet and diesel fuel, contending that the solicitation clause establishing special standards of responsibility unduly restricted competition. GAO held that DFSC failed to provide evidence that the restrictive specifications were necessary to meet its minimum needs. Accordingly, the protest was sustained and GAO recommended that DFSC: (1) determine its minimum needs; (2) resolicit certain line items without the protested clause; (3) terminate existing contracts if the current contractor is not the successful bidder under the resolicitation; and (4) reimburse the protester for its protest costs.