[Protest of DISC Rejection of Bid for Bolt Assemblies]

A firm protested the Defense Industrial Supply Center's (DISC) rejection of its bid for bolt assemblies, contending that DISC: (1) improperly excluded it from discussions; (2) did not afford it an equal opportunity to discuss apparent deficiencies in its bid; and (3) improperly relaxed the solicitation's delivery schedule requirements for the awardee. GAO held that DISC: (1) improperly rejected the protester's bid; (2) improperly excluded the protester from discussions; (3) should have held discussions with the protester regarding its bid deficiencies and afforded it an opportunity to improve its bid; and (4) improperly relaxed the solicitation's delivery schedule requirements for the awardee. Accordingly, the protest was sustained and GAO recommended that DISC reimburse the protester for its bid and protest preparation costs.