B-171831(2), JUN 9, 1971

B-171831(2), JUN 9, 1971

BID PROTEST - QPL REQUIREMENT - COMPONENT PARTS REGARDING DECISION IN PROTEST BY R. A. MILLER ELECTRONICS AGAINST AWARD OF A CONTRACT TO ANY OTHER FIRM UNDER AN IFB ISSUED BY THE ARMY AVIATION SYSTEMS COMMAND FOR A CONTROLLER GRIP ASSEMBLY, RECOMMEND CORRECTIVE ACTION TO INSURE THAT PROPER NOTIFICATION OF QPL REQUIREMENT FOR COMPONENT PARTS BE INCLUDED IN FUTURE SOLICITATIONS.

TO MR. SECRETARY:

BY LETTER DATED MARCH 26, 1971, THE DEPUTY GENERAL COUNSEL, HEADQUARTERS, UNITED STATES ARMY MATERIEL COMMAND, TRANSMITTED A REPORT IN REGARD TO THE PROTEST OF R. A. MILLER ELECTRONICS CORPORATION, AGAINST THE AWARD OF A CONTRACT TO ANOTHER FIRM UNDER INVITATION FOR BIDS NO. DAAJ01-71-B-0151, ISSUED BY THE UNITED STATES ARMY AVIATION SYSTEMS COMMAND, ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI.

WE BELIEVE THE PROCEDURES UTILIZED BY THE PROCUREMENT ACTIVITY IN REGARD TO THE QUALIFIED PRODUCT COMPONENT PART (4-WAY SWITCH) TO BE DEFICIENT FOR THE REASONS STATED IN OUR DECISION OF TODAY, COPY ENCLOSED. WE RECOMMEND THAT THE ACTIVITY TAKE CORRECTIVE ACTION TO INSURE THAT IN FUTURE PROCUREMENTS PROPER NOTICE AS PRESCRIBED IN ARMED SERVICES PROCUREMENT REGULATION (ASPR) SECTION 1-1107.2 IS INCLUDED IN ALL SOLICITATIONS UTILIZING QUALIFIED PRODUCTS LIST PROCEDURES. WE ALSO RECOMMEND THAT THE DIFFERING QUALIFICATION PROCEDURES FOR END PRODUCTS (ASPR 1-1107.2(A)) AND FOR COMPONENTS (ASPR 1-1107.2(B)) BE NOTED SO AS TO PREVENT A RECURRENCE OF THE SITUATION INVOLVED IN THE INSTANT PROTEST.