A firm protested that pilot qualifications set by the Geological Survey in two solicitations were arbitrary and unduly restrictive of competition. The solicitations sought bids to lease helicopters; however, the protester did not bid on either solicitation. In both solicitations, bidders were requested to submit with their bids data showing that each pilot who might be employed under the contract...

ARE DENIED. EVEN IF FIXED OBJECTIVE CRITERIA USED ARE TO SOME EXTENT INHERENTLY ARBITRARY. PROTESTER HAS NOT SHOWN AGENCY'S BELIEF THAT THEY ARE NECESSARY IS UNREASONABLE. PROFESSIONAL HELICOPTER SERVICE: PROFESSIONAL HELICOPTER SERVICE PROTESTS THAT PILOT QUALIFICATIONS SET BY THE GEOLOGICAL SURVEY (USGS) IN INVITATIONS FOR BIDS (IFB) 1005W AND 1034W ARE ARBITRARY AND UNDULY RESTRICTIVE OF COMPET...