Maupin Plumbing & Heating Company

A firm protested the award of an Air Force contract for repairing and improving 500 units of housing, claiming that the inclusion of two different wage rates was improper, the work detailed in the solicitation does not constitute "modernizing and remodeling," and that it would be impossible for a contractor to secure a plumbing subcontractor with the applied rate. GAO found that the contract should have stated different wage rates for specific portions of the contract. Failure to do so renders the solicitation defective. Accordingly, GAO sustained the protest. GAO also forwarded copies of this decision to the Secretary of the Air Force and members of Congress.