Protest Against Contract Award

A firm protested the award of a contract by the Office of Personnel Management for the development and implementation of a Retirement Interface Processing System. The protester challenged the fairness of the procurement and alleged numerous improprieties in its conduct. The protester's allegations included: (1) bias in the procurement; (2) claim of error; (3) delegation of procurement authority; and (4) change in contract. GAO found that: (1) the protester did not satisfy its burden of proof; (2) the contracting officer was acting reasonably in concluding that there was no need to verify the protester's offer; (3) the General Services Administration limitation was observed; and (4) contract changes being contemplated were to expedite implementation of functions to be assumed by the system.