Protest Alleging RFP Was Improperly Amended

A firm protested the award of a contract to a competitor for two collision avoidance systems. The protester contended that the contracting agency, in issuing various amendments to the request for proposals (RFP), intentionally relaxed its technical requirements to favor the competitor. The protest was essentially against the relaxation of performance requirements so it should have been filed prior to the closing date for submission of offers. However, it was filed after award of the contract so it was untimely. The contracting agency's determination that the protester's proposal did not satisfy the original RFP specifications was reasonable. Even if the proposal did meet specifications, the agency's decision to relax specifications which stated its minimum needs in an effort to increase competition is not legally objectionable. The protest was denied.