[Protest of MSC Contract Award for Repair Services]

A firm protested a Military Sealift Command (MSC) contract award for ship repair and maintenance services, contending that: (1) MSC's selection of a higher-cost proposal over a lower-cost proposal was unreasonable and inconsistent with the stated evaluation scheme; and (2) MSC failed to hold adequate discussions with it regarding its proposed staffing levels. GAO held that MSC: (1) reasonably selected the awardee's higher-rated, higher-cost proposal, since the protester's lower-cost proposal lacked the understanding and technical capability to perform the services of the contract; and (2) conducted meaningful discussions and advised the protester of its bid deficiencies. Accordingly, the protest was denied.