Hydraulics International, Inc. (B-423114)

You should not care.

Category: Sole-source justification

Date: 27 January 2025

URL: https://www.gao.gov/products/b-422513.3%2Cb-422513.4

Hydraulics International, Inc. (HII), protested Army’s intent to issue a sole-source contract to Sun Test Systems, Inc. (STS), for the Aviation Ground Power Unit 1.1, used in rotary-wing aircraft maintenance. HII argued that Army’s justification for avoiding competition was flawed, contending that it could supply a compliant product without requiring substantial duplication of costs.

Sole-source justification upheld: GAO found the Army’s decision reasonable, citing prior court findings that HII’s product did not meet requirements for simultaneous and continuous power outputs. Army determined that only STS could meet its needs without costly delays or redevelopment. HII’s evidence—statements from company executives—was deemed unpersuasive compared to the Army’s documented test data, which confirmed STS’s compliance.

GAO denied the protest, ruling Army properly justified its sole-source award under 10 USC §3204(a)(1) and FAR §6.302-1(a)(2)(ii)(A).

Digest

Protest of an agency’s intent to issue a sole-source award to another firm is denied where the record shows that no other responsible source can meet the agency’s needs without substantial duplication of cost.