Protest Regarding Award to Other Than Low Offeror Due to Suspected Error in Low Quote

The protester objected to the agency's decision to contract with another firm at a higher price than it offered in response to a request for quotations, alleging that the agency was without justification in believing that its quote was in error and that the agency acted in bad faith in awarding the contract. The firm submitting the low quote was not entitled to award because the contracting officer suspected an error in the quote and made good faith efforts, without success, to contact the firm for verification. The request for quotations was merely for informational or planning purposes, and the Government was not bound to contract with the firm offering the lowest quote and was permitted to give consideration to the administrative costs of the contract.