A procuring agency erred by essentially assigning a small business a failing past performance score without referring the matter to the SBA.

In a recent bid protest decision, the GAO held that the assignment of a failing past performance score under a past/fail system constituted a non-responsibility determination–and that the SBA was entitled to review the agency’s determination under the SBA’s Certificate of Competency procedures.

The GAO’s decision in FitNet Purchasing Alliance, B-410263 (Nov. 26, 2014) involved a Bureau of Indian Affairs solicitation for gym floor racks, covers, and accessories.  The solicitation was posted on the FedBid reverse auction website and was set aside for small businesses.

FitNet Purchasing Alliance submitted the lowest price.  However, the Contracting Officer elected to make award to the second-lowest bidder, Nationwide Supplies.  A single-page document in the agency’s file stated that the Contracting Officer had declined FitNet’s bid because of adverse past performance information about FitNet.  The agency’s file did not mention Nationwide’s past performance, or indicate that the Contracting Officer had considered Nationwide’s past performance in making the award decision.

Keep reading this article at: http://smallgovcon.com/gaobidprotests/agency-doesnt-request-sba-coc-gao-sustains-protest/