Chaedrol GAO Protest Log 20240913: Slalom, Ecology Mir, CymSTAR, Chevo
Slalom Inc. - B-422623, B-422623.2, B-422623.3
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Category: Evaluation
Date: August 29, 2024
URL: https://www.gao.gov/products/b-422623%2Cb-422623.2%2Cb-422623.3
Slalom argued that the agency improperly evaluated IBM's quotation under the corporate experience factor by not requiring each member of IBM's team to submit separate examples. GAO found the agency's interpretation of the solicitation language was reasonable and consistent with the requirements.
Slalom contended that the agency applied unstated evaluation criteria regarding security best practices during the technical demonstration. GAO upheld the agency's evaluation, recognizing that the solicitation clearly stated vendors would be assessed on adherence to best practices, including security protocols.
The protest was denied because GAO found no basis for Slalom's claims, affirming the agency's evaluations were reasonable and aligned with the solicitation criteria.
Digest
1. Protest challenging the acceptability of the awardee's quotation under the corporate experience factor is denied where the plain language of the solicitation required one, but not both, of the members of the awardee's contractor team arrangement to submit a corporate experience example.
2. The agency's evaluation of the protester's quotation under the technical demonstration factor did not constitute application of unstated evaluation criteria.
3. The agency's evaluation under the past performance factor was reasonable and sufficiently documented.
Ecology Mir Group, LLC - B-422881
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Category: Process error
Date: September 12, 2024
URL: https://www.gao.gov/products/b-422881
In this case, Ecology Mir Group, LLC, protested the agency's evaluation of its quotation, claiming it was incorrectly deemed technically unacceptable. However, GAO found that the protest was untimely, as it was filed more than 10 days after the agency's notification. This case underscores the importance of adhering to filing timelines in government contracting disputes, as delays can significantly weaken a protest's viability.
Digest
Protest is untimely where it was filed more than 10 days after the agency advised the protester that its quotation was evaluated as technically unacceptable.
CymSTAR, LLC - Reconsideration, B-422576.2
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Category: Discussions
Date: September 10, 2024
URL: https://www.gao.gov/products/b-422576.2
In this case, CymSTAR, LLC filed a request for reconsideration regarding a previous GAO decision. The protester argued that the original decision contained factual errors. However, GAO emphasized that it defers to the agency’s evaluation based on the stated criteria, noting that the agency followed proper procedures throughout the procurement process. GAO also highlighted that the protester did not provide sufficient evidence to demonstrate any factual inaccuracies in the prior findings. As a result, the protest was denied.
The key takeaway for government contracting professionals is the importance of thoroughly substantiating claims when seeking reconsideration, as GAO maintains a strict adherence to procedures and agency evaluations.
Digest
Request for reconsideration is denied where the protester fails to demonstrate that our decision contains any factual error.
Chevo Consulting, LLC - B-422342.2
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Category: Evaluation
Date: August 30, 2024
URL: https://www.gao.gov/products/b-422342.2
The main protest grounds included challenges to the agency's evaluation of Chevo's technical proposal, specifically regarding the ratings assigned under various factors such as corporate experience, staffing plan, and past performance. GAO found that the agency's evaluations were reasonable and consistent with the solicitation's criteria.
Chevo contested the agency's rating of "some confidence," arguing that its experience demonstrated capability. GAO upheld the evaluation, noting that the agency reasonably found relevant experience lacking in certain areas, such as the CISA task order. The protester argued that its reliance on incumbent staff should warrant a higher confidence rating. GAO disagreed, stating that the agency's assessment of over-reliance on incumbents without clear benefits was justified. Chevo's concerns regarding its past performance rating were also dismissed, as the GAO noted that the agency considered all relevant information, including past performance questionnaires, which indicated some issues with a proposed manager.
The protest was denied as GAO found no basis to question the agency’s evaluation process, which adhered to established procurement regulations.
Digest
Protest challenging agency's evaluation of protester's technical proposal is denied where evaluation was reasonable and consistent with the solicitation.
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