[Protest of Forest Service Contract Award for Timber Stand Examination Services]

A firm protested a Forest Service contract award for timber stand examination services, contending that the awardee: (1) was not responsible; and (2) had a competitive advantage, since the Department of Labor (DOL) inconsistently administered labor laws in the states represented by the bidders. GAO held that: (1) the protester failed to show that the Service, which investigated the protester's allegations regarding the awardee's noncompliance with labor laws, acted fraudulently or in bad faith in determining the awardee's responsibility; and (2) it lacked authority to review allegations regarding DOL implementation of labor laws. Accordingly, the protest was denied.