[Protest of DLA Cancellation of IFB for Sliding Door Tracks]

A firm protested the Defense Logistics Agency's (DLA) cancellation of a solicitation and subsequent resolicitation for helicopter parts, contending that: (1) DLA improperly cancelled the solicitation after contacting the parts manufacturer, which did not bid, and determining that, had it bid, its price might have been lower; and (2) DLA should solicit for the parts using a request for proposals (RFP) rather than a request for quotations (RFQ). The protester also claimed reimbursement for its bid and protest preparation costs. GAO held that: (1) DLA improperly consulted the parts manufacturer about its potential bid price; (2) the difference in the protester's bid price and the price the manufacturer allegedly would have bid was small and consisted mostly of a difference in transportation costs that DLA ignored; (3) DLA should have used an RFP to solicit for the parts; (4) DLA should cancel the resolicitation and award the protester a contract, if otherwise appropriate; and (5) it would not allow the protester's claim for bid and protest preparation costs because it was recommending that DLA award the protester a contract. Accordingly, the protest was sustained and the claim was denied.