KC-45 Contract Protest: Counter Maneuvers

Reuters reports Northrop Grumman has filed a counter-protest:

Los Angeles-based Northrop said Boeing waited too long to raise its challenge of various issues related to the capability of the Northrop tanker and the Air Force's use of a complex computer model to assess the competing bids.

In addition, Northrop argues that Boeing's challenges to the Air Force's assessment of the companies' past performance, and the issue of government subsidies, were either not a proposal requirement or should have been addressed earlier.

Boeing also knew long before it filed its final proposal how the Air Force had increased its cost proposal and evaluated its proposed development schedule, Northrop said.

The Air Force is now seeking relief from Boeing's more 'strident' claims as well.

Spokeswoman Lt. Col. Jennifer Cassidy said the Air Force had filed the motion for partial summary dismissal of the Boeing protest, but declined to give any details.

"In order to protect proprietary information and respect the GAO protective order, we cannot provide further details," Cassidy said.

Perhaps the AF is getting a little tired of Boeing's PR insurgency while they must operate under strict 'rules of engagement'?

Boeing: making friends and influencing people.

Oh Yeah...