Boeing [BA] April 1 sees no “legitimate reason” to extend proposal deadlines by a month in the Air Force KC-X tanker competition if the European Aeronautic Defence and Space Co. (EADS) makes a formal request.
“We do not see a legitimate reason for EADS’s bid deadline extension request, and we believe an extension that favors any individual competitor does not further the goal of ensuring fair competition,” the company said in a statement.
Boeing remains fully prepared to submit its proposal by the initial May 10 deadline, which may be pushed to June 9, the statement said.
“However, this latest development, along with the World Trade Organization’s recent final ruling that Airbus has been heavily and illegally subsidized for decades, requires Boeing to review all of our options for going forward while we wait for a final determination on a deadline extension,” the company said.
The Pentagon’s decision also aroused congressional supporters of Boeing’s tanker bid (Defense Daily, April 1).
EADS had partnered with Northrop Grumman [NOC] on the competition but dropped out, potentially leaving the field to Boeing as sole bidder.
Boeing did, however, praise the air Force’s effort to have a level playing field.
“We welcome the denial of EADS’ repeated requests to alter U.S. warfighting requirements, and we support the Air Force’s stated intent to provide a level playing field for qualified competitors,” the company said.