Protest by Union Against Failure of Agency To Negotiate Prior to Procurement

The American Federation of Government Employees protested that the intended procurement of services would violate Executive Order 11491 because the agency failed to negotiate with the union prior to taking steps to provide the services. The protest was untimely filed after the closing date for receipt of proposals when the alleged solicitation improprieties were apparent. The issues raised may be considered by the Assistant Secretary of Labor for Labor-Management Relations incident to an unfair labor practice complaint filed by the union.