[Request for Reconsideration of Recommendation for Remedial Action]

The Air Force requested GAO to reconsider the remedial action it recommended in a decision which sustained a protest against the rejection of a bid as nonresponsive and recommended contract termination with the awardee and the award of a portion of the contract to the protester. The Air Force asserted that, because termination costs would be substantial, termination would not be in the best interest of the Government. GAO found that the Air Force failed to provide it with a sufficient basis to withdraw the recommendation. Termination costs in themselves do not justify the failure to terminate an improperly awarded contract unless the costs are substantial, and GAO did not believe that the costs were substantial in this case. Accordingly, GAO would not withdraw its recommendation and the initial decision was affirmed.