Protest against Award of Contract Funded by Federal Grants

The protester complained about the decision to exclude the company from being the supplier of switchgear equipment under a contract award funded in significant part by Federal grant funds. The motivation for the "manufacturer only" requirement for switchgear equipment in this case was prompted by the grantee's stated inability to write an adequate specification. However, it is unfair to prevent competent concerns from competing because of such an inability. A suitably modified product experience clause should be used in future procurements to evaluate nonmanufacturer's equipment.