[Protest of Forest Service's Solicitation for Office Space]

A firm protested the terms of a Forest Service solicitation for office space, contending that the Forest Service: (1) did not have the contracting authority to procure office space; (2) failed to consult with local officials or consider their views regarding the location of the leased space; and (3) failed to give adequate consideration to space located in the central business area (CBA). GAO held that the Forest Service: (1) did have the authority to procure office space, since the General Services Administration had delegated leasing authority to it; and (2) properly discussed its space needs with local officials, appropriately considered the restrictions that would be imposed on it should the solicitation restrict competition to the CBA, and reasonably determined that its needs would be better met by extending the geographic scope of the solicitation to areas surrounding the CBA. Accordingly, the protest was denied.