Allegation That Specifications Were Inadequate

A firm protested any award of a contract under a solicitation issued for the manufacture of dental pliers. The protester alleged that the solicitation specifications were deficient, that the procuring agency failed to provide prospective bidders with a valid sample of the item to be manufactured in lieu of more adequate specifications, and that the procuring agency's procurement methods have resulted in improper sole-source awards in the past. The protester has the burden of affirmatively proving its case, and GAO will not conduct an investigation to establish whether a protester's speculative statements are valid. The protester's allegations in the instant case lacked specificity; however, the procuring agency interpreted the allegations to the extent possible and presented evidence in rebuttal. The record supported the position of the procuring agency, and the protester's response to the procuring agency's position did not bring any new evidence to light. Accordingly, the protest was denied.