[Protest of Air Force Issuance of RFP as Sole-Source Procurement]

A firm protested an Air Force sole-source procurement for artificial turf, contending that it could meet the Air Force's minimum needs at a lower price than that offered by the awardee. The protester alleged that the Air Force's stated minimum needs were unduly restrictive as to standards for fire resistance, fabric construction, and underlying material. GAO held that: (1) the protester did not prove that the Air Force acted unreasonably in determining its minimum needs; and (2) the sole-source award was adequately justified. Accordingly, the protest was denied.