[Protest of DGSC Contract Award for Solvent Cleaning Machines and Related Items]

A firm protested a Defense General Supply Center (DGSC) contract award for solvent cleaning machines and related items, contending that: (1) the awardee's proposed product failed to meet the solicitation's specifications; and (2) its proposed patented product could satisfy the solicitation's specifications. GAO held that the protest was academic, since DGSC reopened discussions with all bidders to delete the protested specifications. Accordingly, the protest was denied.