Protests re Proposed Evaluation, Lack of Discussion, and Cost Analysis

Bidder protested award for environmental information services because its proposal technically evaluated as first ranked was disregarded in favor of lower technical score but lower cost proposal. Agency found first three potential contractors equal technically so that the only remaining consideration was cost. The contractor selection was sound, notwithstanding protester's alleged academic nature and past experience. Adequate discussion was met when protester was told proposal employed too many personnel with doctorates and too many man-hours. Notations on protester's cost proposal show that minimal requirement for cost analysis was made. Protest was denied. (DJM)