[Protest of GSA Solicitation for Mechanical Maintenance Services]

A firm protested a General Services Administration solicitation for mechanical maintenance services, contending that the performance bond requirement was unnecessary and unduly restricted competition. GAO held that the: (1) performance bond requirement was necessary for the 3-year base period of the contract; and (2) fact that the bonding requirement may restrict competition did not render the requirement improper. Accordingly, the protest was denied.