A firm protested the actions of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) regarding a testing requirement in a request for proposals. The procurement was for the purchase of electronic data processing hardware, software, and support services. A benchmark was required of the lowest cost offeror, and the offerer was required to move its equipment of the test site within 5 days after notification of...

PROTEST ALLEGING RESTRICTIVENESS OF SOLICITATION CLAUSE REQUIRING LOW COST OFFEROR TO PERFORM BENCHMARK WITHIN 5 DAYS OF NOTIFICATION BY AGENCY IS UNTIMELY BECAUSE IT WAS NOT FILED WITH AGENCY OR GAO PRIOR TO CLOSING DATE FOR RECEIPT OF INITIAL PROPOSALS. 2. PROTEST THAT REQUEST FOR BEST AND FINAL OFFERS WAS MISLEADING AND THAT DISCUSSIONS SHOULD HAVE BEEN REOPENED AFTER DUE DATE FOR BEST AND FINA...