Protest Alleging RFP Did Not Provide Sufficient Information To Permit Preparation of Proposal

The terms of a NASA request for proposals (RFP) were protested. The protester alleged that NASA did not provide sufficient information to permit preparation of a proposal. In addition, the protester contended that NASA included requirements in the RFP which were unduly restrictive of competition. GAO found that the solicitation did not explain the need for some stated features and left uncertain whether the requirements were fully described. It was also found, however, that this uncertainty was resolved by the agency's written answers furnished in response to the potester's preproposal questions. Moreover, NASA advised the protester in writing that alternative approaches would be considered to the particular feature that the protester complained of as being unduly restrictive. The protest was denied.