[Protests of Specifications of Navy Solicitation for Diesel Engine Generators]

Two firms protested a Navy solicitation for diesel engine generators. The first protester contended that the specifications unduly restricted competition because the Navy unreasonably required certain brake pressures and speeds and prior engine experience, while the second protester contended that the: (1) amended specifications were unfair, since they favored European designs; and (2) Navy should consider oil and maintenance costs as separate evaluation factors. GAO held that: (1) the first protester failed to show that the Navy's requirements were unreasonable, since at least three firms, including the protester complied with the specifications; (2) the Navy reasonably required experience data to reflect conditions similar to those encountered under contract performance; (3) it would not consider protests against amended solicitation specifications that permitted greater competition; and (4) the Navy reasonably determined that the oil and maintenance requirements were consistent with procurement guidelines on the engines. Accordingly, the protests were denied.