[Protest of DCA Solicitation Cancellation]

A firm protested the cancellation of a solicitation by the Defense Communications Agency (DCA) for a data communications service. The protester argued that the change in the date of the required service was not sufficient to justify cancellation and that few changes in requirements could occur before the start of the new solicitation process. DCA canceled the solicitation because: (1) the service would not be required for more than a year after the date stated in the original solicitation; (2) additional satellite requirements were anticipated within the year; and (3) a lower price could be obtained resulting from changes in requirements. GAO has recognized that the potential for cost savings is a legitimate basis for canceling a negotiated solicitation. Therefore, the contracting officer had a reasonable basis for cancellation in light of potential savings and the possibility of other changes in the interim. Accordingly, the protest was denied.