Avantus Federal, LLC (B-423010)

You should not care.

Category: Technical evaluation, price realism

Date: 2 January 2025

URL: https://www.gao.gov/products/b-423010

Avantus Federal protested ICE ERO’s award of an OASIS task order to Salient CRGT, Inc., under a solicitation for analytic and program management services for detention facility operations. Avantus claimed DHS improperly identified risks in its quote, specifically in graphic design projects and resource planning support. GAO upheld DHS's evaluation, finding Avantus’s quote lacked sufficient detail to demonstrate relevant experience. The firm then argued that DHS should have conducted a price realism assessment and downgraded Salient’s technical rating based on its lower proposed price. GAO noted the solicitation did not require a price realism analysis and found DHS reasonably assessed both firms’ understanding of technical requirements.

Protest denied.

Digest

1. Agency’s assessment of risks in protester’s proposal under the corporate experience evaluation factor was reasonable and consistent with the terms of the solicitation.
2. Agency’s consideration of awardee’s price in making the source selection decision was reasonable and consistent with the terms of the solicitation.