Lower bid, but not enough

Protestor, which had equivalent adjective ratings and a lower price, argued that the Navy didn't evaluate the winning awardee's proposal harsh enough. For example, protestor argued that the technical proposal should have been dinged because the "proposed quality manager lacked relevant experience" and that the past performance was tainted by negative past performance of a teaming partner. GAO reviewed the record and found that the Navy "meticulously compared the strengths and disadvantages offered by the proposals" and, therefore, protest denied.

GAO: GKG Contractors, LLC, B-423941,B-423941.2 (Jan 22, 2026)