[Protest Against Labor Procedures Under Solicitation for Carpet Services]

A firm protested against the Department of Labor's (DOL) procedures under a solicitation for carpet services, contending that DOL violated full and open competition requirements, since it failed to: (1) notify the protester of the solicitation; and (2) obtain the best price available. GAO held that DOL: (1) took reasonable steps to ensure that it met the statutory notice and solicitation distribution requirements; and (2) improperly made award at a price substantially higher than the protester's option-year price under its existing contract. Accordingly, the protest was sustained, and GAO recommended that DOL: (1) offer the protester an opportunity to revive its option price; and (2) terminate the contract and exercise the option, if otherwise appropriate.