Protests Regarding Possible Competitive Advantages for Bidders Participating in the Work Incentive Program

The protester objected to the award of three contracts, alleging that competitors participating in the Work Incentive (WIN) Program might offer substantially lower bids than they would otherwise because of the "subsidy" provided by the Government in the form of limited wage rate reimbursement and tax benefits for hiring and training of welfare recipients. The protest was denied since the matter was conjectural and since any competitive advantage would not result from preferential or unfair treatment by the Government. The WIN program was not contrary to any provision of the Service Contract Act although ramifications of the program might be inconsistent with the act.