[Decision Concerning Request for Reimbursement for Bid Preparation Costs Under Army Solicitation]

A firm requested reimbursement for its bid preparation costs under a solicitation for custodial services, following the Army's determination to restrict competition to small businesses, contending that the Army improperly: (1) failed to notify offerers of the restriction until after bid opening; and (2) eliminated it from competition, since it was a large business. GAO held that: (1) the Army acted properly in making its determination, which was in response to a prior protest; and (2) there was no indication that the protester had a substantial chance of winning the award without the restriction. Accordingly, the protest and claim were dismissed.