[Protest of DLA Contract Award for Hazardous Waste Disposal Services]

A firm protested a Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) contract award for the reprocurement of hazardous waste disposal services under a defaulted contract, contending that DLA: (1) should not have considered the awardee's proposal since DLA had not evaluated it under the original procurement; (2) should not have conducted discussions with the awardee; and (3) engaged in technical levelling. The protester also requested reimbursement for its proposal and protest preparation costs. GAO held that: (1) DLA properly considered the awardee's bid in order to obtain maximum competition and a reasonable price; (2) DLA properly held discussions with the awardee, since that did not prejudice other offerers; and (3) since there was no indication that DLA improperly coached the awardee, the allegation of technical levelling was without merit. Accordingly, the protest was denied in part and dismissed in part, and the claim was denied.