[Protest of Air Force Contract Award for Aircraft Engine Seals]

A firm protested an Air Force award for aircraft engine seals, contending that the Air Force improperly awarded the contract on the basis of initial proposals without conducting discussions or requesting best and final offers. GAO held that the Air Force properly awarded the contract, since the: (1) solicitation advised bidders that it might base awards on initial proposals; and (2) existence of adequate competition demonstrated that award would result in the lowest cost to the government. Accordingly, the protest was denied.