Deloitte Consulting, LLP (70T04020Q9CAP8003)

B-419336.2,B-419336.4,B-419336.6 Jan 21, 2021 Jump To FULL REPORT VIEW DECISION RELATED PAGES GAO CONTACTS Highlights Deloitte Consulting LLP of Arlington, Virginia, protests the establishment of a blanket purchase agreement (BPA) with Grant Thornton Public Sector LLC of Arlington, Virginia, by the Department of Homeland Security, Transportation Security Administration (TSA), under request for quotations (RFQ) No. 70T04020Q9CAP8003 for program analysis and strategic support services. Deloitte protests various aspects of the agency's evaluation and source selection decision. We deny the protest. View Decision DOCUMENT FOR PUBLIC RELEASE The decision issued on the date below was subject to a GAO Protective Order. This redacted version has been approved for public release. Decision Matter of:  Deloitte Consulting LLP File:  B-419336.2; B-419336.4; B-419336.6 Date:  January 21, 2021 Keith R. Szeliga, Esq., Adam A. Bartolanzo, Esq., and Nikole Snyder, Esq., Sheppard Mullin Richter & Hampton LLP, for the protester. Alexander J. Brittin, Esq., Brittin Law Group, PLLC, and Mary Pat Buckenmeyer, Dunlap Bennett & Ludwig PLLC, for Grant Thornton Public Sector LLC, the intervenor. Michael Kiffney, Esq., Christopher Reames, Esq., and Thomas McGivern, Esq., Department of Homeland Security, for the agency. April Y. Shields, Esq., and Christina Sklarew, Esq., Office of the General Counsel, GAO, participated in the preparation of the decision. DIGEST 1.  Protest challenging agency’s evaluation of the protester’s and awardee’s quotations under the non-price factors is denied where the record shows that the agency’s evaluation was reasonable and consistent with the terms of the solicitation and applicable procurement law and regulation. 2.  Protest challenging agency’s price evaluation, including the conclusion that the awardee’s higher price was reasonable, is denied where the record shows that the agency’s evaluation was reasonable and consistent with the terms of the solicitation and applicable procurement law and regulation. 3.  Protest challenging the agency’s best-value tradeoff decision is denied where the agency documented its basis for selecting a higher-priced, technically superior quotation and where the underlying evaluation was reasonable. DECISION   Deloitte Consulting LLP of Arlington, Virginia, protests the establishment of a blanket purchase agreement (BPA) with Grant Thornton Public Sector LLC of Arlington, Virginia, by the Department of Homeland Security, Transportation Security Administration (TSA), under request for quotations (RFQ) No. 70T04020Q9CAP8003 for program analysis and strategic support services.  Deloitte protests various aspects of the agency’s evaluation and source selection decision. We deny the protest. BACKGROUND On May 12, 2020, pursuant to Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) subpart 8.4, the agency issued the RFQ to contractors holding certain categories of General Services Administration (GSA) Federal Supply Schedule (FSS) contracts.[1]  RFQ at 244.[2]  The RFQ sought a contractor to provide program analysis and strategic support (PASS) services.  The RFQ explained that the PASS requirement is focused on “identifying and pursuing available technological capabilities that TSA can apply to the TSA’s operational support environment” and “improv[ing] the efficacy of TSA programs and projects.”  Id.  The RFQ further explained that the PASS requirement is distinct from other program and acquisition management services, and requires “a fundamental understanding of TSA’s technologies, projects, programs, practices, policies, and procedures, and the ability to respond promptly to challenging and evolving requirements.”  Id. The RFQ contemplated the establishment of a single-award BPA under which fixed-price, time-and-materials, or hybrid task orders would be issued.  RFQ at 244.  The BPA would be performed over a 1-year base period and four 1-year option periods, and would have a total estimated value of $350 million.  Id.