[Protest of Air Force Contract Award to Any Other Firm]

A small business protested an Air Force contract award to any other firm, contending that the Air Force's reliance on a preaward survey as the basis of its nonresponsibility determination and its refusal to consider the matter further were objectionable. Because the Air Force had previously relied on similar surveys, the protester contended that it was the victim of de facto debarment. GAO found that the nonresponsibility determination had been referred to the Small Business Administration for consideration which has the conclusive authority to make small business responsibility determinations. Furthermore, the Air Force's continued reliance on preaward surveys as a basis for negative determinations of the protester's responsibility does not constitute de facto debarment. Accordingly, the protest was dismissed.