KPLU Local News
(2010-02-24)
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F/A-18F Super Hornets refuel from an Air Force KC-10 Extender tanker
(AP Photo/Lt. j.g. Kyle Terwilliger, U.S. Navy)
The initial contract is worth about 35 billion dollars, with prospects for billions more. Boeing contested the last award, after a partnership of Northrup-Grummon and Airbus-parent EADS won it.
The Pentagon says it has listened to both parties and clarified the bidding process. Deputy Defense Secretary William Lynn spoke at a briefing.
"Northrup and Boeing both competed very well last time on price and on other factors," he said. "Our assessment is they'd both be strong competitors this time and we're focused on having them both bid and we think that would lead to a robust competition."
Northrup Grummon said in December that the draft request for proposals clearly favored the smaller aircraft proposed by Boeing and that it would not bid unless there were significant changes. Lynn says the government has made more than 200 changes - and they want a competition. The bidders have 75 days to respond.
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