B-227842,B-227842.2: Oct 6, 1987

Two firms protested an Air Force solicitation for a fire alarm system, contending that the: (1) Air Force improperly requested competitive proposals instead of sealed bids; (2) Air Force should have restricted the procurement to small businesses; and (3) specifications concerning approval of the alarm system were defective. GAO held that the Air Force reasonably: (1) elected to use negotiated proc...

B-227842,B-227842.2: Oct 6, 1987

Agency decision to use negotiation procedures in lieu of sealed bidding procedures is justified where the agency intended to conduct discussions with the responding offerors. Procurement need not be set aside for small business where the contracting officer determines that there is no reasonable expectation of receiving offers from two small businesses and making award at a reasonable price. Alleg...