Non-Subscriber Extract
USAF requests new bids on CSAR-X
By Caitlin Harrington
29 October 2007
The US Air Force (USAF) is asking for new bids on a USD15 billion contract for a fleet of new combat search-and-rescue (CSAR-X) helicopters with a final contract award likely to be made in February.
The CSAR contract for 141 helicopters was originally awarded to Boeing for its HH-47 Chinook last year. However, the USAF has decided to re-open the bidding after the companies that lost, Lockheed Martin and Sikorsky Aircraft, twice protested against the Boeing award.
The new contracting process began in earnest on 23 October with the release of a new draft request for bids. The three bidders have until 30 October to submit their comments on the draft.
Secretary of the Air Force Michael Wynne said a final request for bids will be issued in mid-November, with responses due shortly after, and USAF acquisition officials will then have about 60 days to review the proposals before a new award is made in February.
Wynne said it is possible the USAF could pick a winner other than Boeing and he confirmed that the company would receive no special consideration even though it had won the contract the first time around.