Protest Regarding Cost Evaluation of Proposals

The protester objected to the award of a contract, alleging that the agency failed to make an adequate independent cost analysis of the proposals. Since the agency's cost evaluation consisted merely of comparing the estimated costs proposed by the offerers, adequate analysis and assessment of the offerers' realistic, probable costs was lacking and there was no rational support for the source selection decision. Although renewal of the evaluation and selection process was not practicable, the 1-year contract option should not be exercised, and any further requirements after the contract expiration should be resolicited on a competitive basis. The protester's claim for proposal preparation costs was not considered due to the recommendation for resolicitation of further requirements. The protest with regard to the solicitation's evaluation criteria was untimely and not for consideration.