[Protest of Specifications Under Air Force Solicitation for Switchboard Services]

A firm protested an Air Force solicitation for telephone switchboard services, contending that the specifications were defective, since they permitted a deduction for unsatisfactory work, which was an unenforceable penalty. GAO would not question the Air Force's determination to penalize unsatisfactory contractor performance, absent evidence that the determination was arbitrary or unreasonable. Accordingly, the protest was denied.