[Protest of Navy Decision To Perform Food Services In-House]

A firm protested a Navy decision to perform food services in-house rather than contract for these services, contending that the Navy inadequately compared the performance reflected in the government's Most Efficient Organization/Management Study (MEO) with the performance reflected in its proposal. GAO held that the Navy failed to reasonably compare the level and quality of performance in the MEO with the level and quality of performance of the protester's bid. Accordingly, the protest was sustained, and GAO recommended that the Navy: (1) determine whether its needs have changed and whether the solicitation under which the private-sector bidders previously competed accurately reflects the Navy's current needs; (2) should issue a revised solicitation reflecting its current requirements if it is determined that the original solicitation does not reflect its current needs, and reopen the competition to the private sector; (3) should perform a reasonable and meaningful analysis of the level and quality of performance if it is determined that the original solicitation reflects its current needs; and (4) reimburse the protester for its protest costs.