Boeing Back in CSAR-X Ring to Take Another Swing

As previously reported here, last February the GAO recommended that the Air Force reopen discussions and request revised proposals. This action followed protests by Lockheed Martin, the world's largest defense company, and United Technologies' Sikorsky unit. The rival companies said the Air Force didn't uniformly apply the criteria used to evaluate the three bids. Boeing's order for 141 HH-47 helicopters, a variant of its twin-rotor Chinook family, was picked to replace Sikorsky's Pave Hawk aircraft. The award was put on hold during the GAO review, commonly known as "Amendment Five."

Today Yesterday Boeing announced that they had submitted a revised proposal in response to Amendment Five. "Our focus has remained on providing the Air Force a low-risk, date-certain, best value offering that meets or exceeds all customer performance requirements," said Jim Albaugh, president and CEO of Boeing Integrated Defense Systems. "With its superior range, payload and speed, we are confident the HH-47 will provide the customer with an aircraft that can best perform the mission of reliably bringing downed flight crews safely home."

No word yet from the competition. Rest assured they won't roll over without a fight. We'll keep you posted.

-- Ward