Wackenhut Services, Inc.

A firm protested a National Imagery and Mapping (NIMA) contract award for armed guard services, contending that NIMA failed to adequately document the rationale for its source selection decision. GAO found that (1) NIMA conducted price analysis--consisting of comparison of awardee's price with others received and government estimate--and reasonably concluded that, since the prices were comparable, there was no basis for finding that the awardee lacked understanding of the cost information requirement, (2) the awardee and protester both received high ratings from references, and the protestor's slightly better ratings were reasonably reflected in its somewhat higher consensus past performance rating, and (3) the protest challenging decision to make award to the offeror submitting higher-priced, higher-rated proposal is sustained since the record includes inadequate documentation supporting selection decision. Accordingly, the protest was sustained, and GAO recommended that NIMA reopen discussions with the protester and awardee, allow them to submit revised proposals, and then reevaluate the proposals. The discussions, evaluation and award decision should be fully documented, consistent with GAO's decision. If NIMA determines that the protester's proposal represents the best value, NIMA should terminate the awardee's contract for convenience and award a contract to the protester. The protester should also be reimbursed the costs of filing and pursuing its protest, including reasonable attorneys' fees.