[Request for Reconsideration of Decision Concerning Coast Guard Procurement]

A firm requested reconsideration of a decision concerning its protest against a Coast Guard contract award. GAO had agreed with the protester that the Commandant of the Coast Guard was not empowered to execute a determination authorizing a negotiated procurement; however, GAO did not find that this was a basis to sustain the protest because the Secretary of Transportation could properly execute the required determination after award. In its request for reconsideration, the protester contended that GAO erred in concluding that the D&F could be reexecuted by a proper authority after contract award. GAO held that: (1) the Commandant made his determination in good faith; (2) the Commandant's improper action did not void the contract; and (3) the Secretary of Transportation's reexecution of the determination after contract award did not constitute a basis for sustaining the protest. Accordingly, the decision was affirmed.