[Protest of Navy Procedures Under Solicitation for Software Maintenance Training]

A firm protested a Navy decision to allow another firm to submit a proposal for software maintenance services, contending that the Navy improperly disclosed its proprietary cost data to the firm, which provided administrative services incident to the procurement. GAO held that there was no evidence that the: (1) Navy intentionally disclosed the proprietary information; or (2) firm used the information to prepare its bid. Accordingly, the protest was denied, and GAO recommended that, if an audit revealed that the firm used the information, the Navy should consider excluding the firm from competition.