[Protests of NAVSEA Contract Awards for Ship Construction]

Two firms protested two Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) contract awards for ship construction, contending that NAVSEA: (1) conducted improper discussions with one awardee; (2) improperly provided one awardee with the government estimate; and (3) improperly determined that their best and final offers were unrealistically low. GAO held that: (1) the alleged improper discussions did not prejudice the protesters; (2) the protesters would not be in line for award even if NAVSEA provided them with equivalent information; (3) NAVSEA reasonably determined that the awardees submitted realistic bids; and (4) the protesters failed to support the substantial price reductions in their bids. Accordingly, the protests were denied.