[Protests of DISC Solicitations for Small Purchases]

Four firms protested the Defense Industrial Supply Center's (DISC) solicitation for small purchases, contending that the electronic bid transmission requirement was overly restrictive of competition. GAO held that: (1) DISC had a reasonable basis for requiring that quotes be submitted electronically; (2) the requirement was not overly burdensome for prospective vendors; and (3) the requirement was consistent with the mandate that DISC promote competition to the maximum extent practicable. Accordingly, the protests were denied.