Agency's Determination To Include Firm on Qualified Products List Will Not Be Questioned by GAO

Remcor, Inc., protested any award by the Naval Aviation Supply Office to the Schultz Steel Company under two invitations for bids (IFBs) limited to qualified products lists (QPL) sources. Remcor contended that the manufacturing process used by Schultz did not comply with the specific requirements in the IFBs, making Schultz an improper listing. The contracting officer conceded that a product qualified by Schultz was not identical to, or produced in the same manner as, the products Schultz would be required to furnish under the contracts; however, it was not conceded that this should preclude the awards to Schultz. The agency's determination to include Schultz on the QPL was not questioned by GAO, despite Remcor's allegation that Schultz did not qualify for inclusion, as inclusion on the QPL merely entitled Schultz to compete on the same basis as other listed contractors. Accordingly, the protest was denied.