Limitation of Competition to Development Contractors

The protester claimed that a restriction on a production award limiting the procurement to firms involved in development efforts was contrary to statutory requirements for maximum competition, contending that its system, currently in production, would best satisfy the government's needs. The agency's determination to restrict offerers to those involved in development was not unduly restrictive of competition as the agency demonstrated that such restrictions were necessary to ensure that the prototype would meet technical and cost objectives. In addition, the protester's equipment could not be tested within the time constraints of the procurement.