[Complaint Concerning Solicitation Issued Pursuant to UMTA Grant]

A firm complained about a solicitation issued by an Urban Mass Transportation Administration (UMTA) grantee, contending that certain solicitation specifications were unduly restrictive of competition. The protester alleged that provisions for life cycle cost credits and penalties unjustly favored another source. GAO held that: (1) it was reasonable for UMTA to deny the protester's agency protest; (2) life cycle cost evaluation was permissible and within a grantee's discretion under UMTA regulations; and (3) the protester did not demonstrate that the specifications were restrictive or in excess of UMTA needs. Accordingly, the complaint was denied.