[Request for Reconsideration of Denial of Protest Under Army IFB]

A firm requested reconsideration of the denial of its protest against the Army's evaluation of transportation costs under a solicitation for storage tanks, contending that the freight rate used was invalid. GAO held that: (1) although the Army did not consider the rate to be economically justified, the tendered rate was not void or invalid; (2) an agency may use a freight rate tender that is available for use before bid opening to estimate transportation costs even though the tender contains an unacceptable rule; (3) the government may award a contract until the tender is effectively revoked; and (4) it will not dismiss a timely reconsideration request because the protester based it on information raised during the initial protest. Accordingly, the prior decision was affirmed.