[Protest of Navy Contract Award for Transmitter System]

A firm protested a proposed Navy contract award for a transmitter system and components, contending that the Navy improperly failed to: (1) send it copies of solicitation amendments; and (2) respond to its requests for additional information. The protester also contended that it was entitled to reimbursement for its bid and protest preparation costs. The Navy contended that the protester: (1) was not sufficiently interested to protest the procurement, since it did not submit a bid; and (2) untimely filed its protest after bid opening. GAO held that the protester: (1) was sufficiently interested, since it was a prospective bidder; (2) failed to show that the Navy deliberately attempted to preclude it from competing; (3) untimely filed its protest more than 10 days after bid opening; and (4) was not entitled to reimbursement for its bid and protest costs. Accordingly, the protest was dismissed, and the claim was denied.