Sole-Source Procurement Was Improper

A company protested a sole-source award, claiming that the sole-source procurement stemmed from an unwarranted restriction on competition which, in turn, resulted in an unjustifiably high price. Although award was made on March 20, the solicitation indicated that proposals would be received until March 28, so the protest was timely filed. The agency's determination that only one item would meet the Government's minimum needs was not proper because it was based on the agency's preference for a particular item rather than a determination that no other product would meet its needs. In addition, award of the contract to the only offeror solicited prior to the closing date for receipt of proposals was improper since that precluded consideration of proposals from other firms not directly solicited.