Protest Concerning a Request for Proposals by General Services Administration

A protest against a request for proposals for the acquisition of remote computer terminals is denied as untimely. The protest made to GAO against a requirement for vendors to propose to furnish all types of data terminals was not made before the date for receipt of proposals or else not protested within 10 days of initial adverse agency action. The protester has given no direct evidence to support a charge that technical specification changes were made to accommodate a particular vendor; it is just as likely that some of the changes merely reflect recognition of alternative technical approaches to single objectives. The protester has the burden of proof to provide specific evidence that system literature indicates the specifications are based on a particular vendor's computer system. The inclusion of one complex configuraton that exceeds the usual concept of data terminals in the procurement of four configurations of terminals does not unduly restrict competition if the solicitation does not prohibit subcontracting for equipment not offered by a particular vendor.