Protests of Sole Source Procurement, Interchangeability, and Untimeliness

Protester objected to the changing of sole-source procurement to competitive bidding by an amendment to the request for proposals, alleged that competitor's offer was nonresponsive, and nonresponsible technically. Protest of agency's decision to proceed on competitive basis was untimely. Allegations concerning responsiveness are not applicable in negotiated procurements. The agency judged that the successful bidder could meet the interchangeability requirement and was technically responsible. The protest was denied. (SW)