[Protests of MSC Decision To Operate and Maintain Cable Ships]

Two firms protested a Military Sealift Command (MSC) determination to maintain in-house operation and maintenance of its cable ships. One firm contended that MSC improperly: (1) required a training program for contractor personnel; (2) included a one-time cost for training; and (3) excluded consultant fees from its cost estimates. The other firm contended that MSC should have awarded it the contract, since it was the low bidder and had the required experience. GAO held that: (1) the first protester untimely filed its protest against alleged solicitation improprieties; (2) the first protester failed to show that the MSC training program requirement was unreasonable; (3) MSC properly excluded consultant fees from its estimates, since they were not required; and (4) the second protester failed to demonstrate that its costs were less than the agency's estimate. Accordingly, the protests were denied.