Protest Against Award Involving Sole-Source Component

Two companies protested a contract award, one questioning the price of the sole-source component and the other questioning the ethics and legality of the offer to only one offeror. The request for reopening of negotiations need not be considered because the change in the supplier's price is not a formal proposal, and the alleged price change was theoretically available to all bidders. Unequal pricing competition that may have resulted from the price change is a risk inherent in competitive procurements. Allegations concerning collusion are not for consideration by GAO but are within the province of the Attorney General and the Federal courts.