[Protest of Air Force Contract Award for Avionics Systems Tester]

A firm protested an Air Force contract award for avionics systems equipment, contending that the Air Force improperly: (1) downgraded its proposal, which complied with all solicitation requirements; and (2) failed to advise it of its proposal's weaknesses. GAO held that the Air Force properly: (1) found that the awardee's bid was technically superior to the protester's bid; and (2) did not advise the protester of its bid weaknesses, since such discussions could have resulted in technical transfusion. Accordingly, the protest was denied.