Review of Requests for Reconsideration

GAO was asked to review requests for reconsideration filed by the Navy and one of its contractors. The requesters sought correction of what they stated were factual and conceptual errors reflected in the previous GAO opinion. That decision dealt with the Navy's plans to order the overhaul of additional C-130 series aircraft from its contractor in connection with the Navy's C-130 Service Life Extension Program (SLEP). The requesters also asked for a conference in order to explain their position to GAO more fully. GAO affirmed its earlier views that: (1) the Navy had not justified placing additional noncompetitive SLEP installation orders with the contractor; (2) the Navy should attempt to compete SLEP installation for as many of the remaining aircraft as possible; and (3) further orders should be placed with the contractor on an individual airplane-by-airplane basis as necessary to meet specific, urgent schedule requirements. The record did not support the Navy's assessment of the time which would be required to prepare military specification kits which would be used if SLEP installation were performed by a firm other than the contractor. The Navy contended that the use of kits would be essential if SLEP were performed by another contractor in order to control risk and assure that the Navy receives a uniform, standardized product. A request for conference in connection with a request for reconsideration is not accorded as a matter of right or privilege since bid protest procedures do not explicitly provide for conferences on requests for reconsideration. Accordingly, GAO did not believe a conference was necessary.