Trying to Convince GAO You Deserved More Strengths Is Extraordinarily Difficult

The protester argued it should have received additional strengths based on its incumbency status. But alas, GAO found the supposed features of the protester’s proposal did not significantly exceed the solicitation's requirements. 

Szanca Solutions, Inc., GAO B-422097 

• Additional Strengths – The protester argued it should have received additional strengths under the Human Capital Management Plan factor and the technical factor. The protester contended these additional strengths were warranted by its incumbent status. But GAO found the agency had considered the features of the protester’s proposal and reasonably concluded these features did not significantly exceed the solicitation’s requirements. 
• Best Value Tradeoff – The SSA found the protester’s slight technical advantage did not justify its price premium. The protester argued the agency did not qualitatively differentiate between proposals. GAO said it could not find the agency abused its discretion by selecting the cheaper proposal. 

The protester is represented by Antonio R. Franco, Katherine B. Burrows, Jacqueline K. Unger, Patrick T. Rothwell, and Dozier L. Gardner Jr. of Piliero Mazza PLLC. The awardee is represented by Richard L. Moorhouse and Christopher O’Brien of Greenberg LLP. The agency is represented by Lieutenant Colonel Michael R. Tregle, Captain Paula F. Barr, and Andrew J. Smith of the Army. GAO attorneys Paula A. Williams and Evan D. Wesser participated in the decision. 

--Case summary by Craig LaChance, Senior Editor