Protest Alleging Improper Use of Proprietary Data and Improper Procurement Procedures

The protester objected to the issuance of a request for quotations, alleging improper use of proprietary data, violation of criminal statutes, and violation of procurement procedures. Since the issue involving improper use of proprietary data was being litigated in a court of competent jurisdiction, the matter was not considered by GAO. GAO did not comment on the alleged violations of criminal statutes since that was a matter for consideration by the Department of Justice and the courts. There was no statutory or regulatory prohibition against the opening of quotations by the contracting officer prior to the closing date for receipt of quotations providing the information contained in the quotations was not disclosed in contravention of procurement regulations.