B-206923: Sep 20, 1982

A foreign firm protested the rejection of its bid as nonresponsive under an invitation for bids issued by the Army for roadwheels. Although the firm was the low bidder, its product was not listed on the required qualified products list (QPL). The Army reviewed test reports and other technical data requested from the protester and concluded that its product was not eligible for the QPL. The protest...

B-206923: Sep 20, 1982

CONTRACTING AGENCY'S PLAN TO USE FIRST ARTICLE TESTING FOR FUTURE PROCUREMENTS HAS NO BEARING ON PRESENT PROCUREMENT WHERE QPL REQUIREMENT WAS MATERIAL AND PROTESTER FAILED TO MEET THIS REQUIREMENT. WAS THE APPARENT LOW BIDDER. ITS BID SHOULD NOT HAVE BEEN REJECTED. OF THE IFB PROVIDES IN PERTINENT PART: "AWARDS FOR ANY END ITEMS WHICH ARE REQUIRED TO BE QUALIFIED PRODUCTS WILL BE MADE ONLY WHEN S...