[Protest of VA Rejection of Bid and Contract Award for Radiology Report Transcription Services]

A firm protested the Department of Veterans Affairs' (VA) rejection of its bid and subsequent contract award for radiology report transcription services, contending that VA should have determined that it was a responsible contractor and awarded it the contract. GAO held that: (1) VA reasonably determined that the protester lacked the experience necessary to perform the contract; (2) the Small Business Administration had exclusive authority to determine the protester's responsibility; and (3) there was no basis to review the contracting officer's decision to refer the protester for a certificate of competency. Accordingly, the protest was dismissed.