Protest Alleging That Awardee's Bid Was Nonresponsive

A company protested a contract award to a small business concern for armed guard service, stating that the awardee did not possess a private guard license as required by the solicitation specifications on the date the work was to have commenced. The protester contended that in not having a license the awardee's bid was not responsive. It also contended that in granting it a certificate of competency on the basis that the awardee would have a license 1 month after the work was to begin, the Small Business Administration (SBA) in effect delayed the contract award to the disadvantage of the other bidders. It was held that the matter was one of bidder responsibility, not responsiveness, and that the contracting officer properly delayed the award of the contract so that the awardee could obtain a license and a certificate of competency. Therefore, the protest was summarily denied.