Air Force Hedging on KC-X Award Date

First the contract was going to start in November. Then it was an award in November. Now the U.S. Air Force is saying a winner will be announced in the next few months or so.

Using the argument that it is better to do something right not quick the Air Force chief of staff, General Schwartz, did not commit to the November date or even this year.

This is not surprising considering the complexity of the proposals and the history of this contract. To avoid a protest which will cause further delays to buying the new aerial tanker the source selection must be thorough and done in such a way that the loser cannot feel discriminated against.

A protest by the loser be it Boeing (BA) or EADS (EADS:P) is expected but there is always a chance that they will take the loss graciously and it may be hoped their political supporters as well.