For KC-X Contract, DoD Hopes Third Time’s A Charm

Representing the third attempt in nine years to replace the Air Force's aging KC-135 aerial refueling tanker, the Pentagon on Wednesday released its final request for proposal (RFP) for a $35 billion contract that will lead to the Air Force's acquisition of 179 next-generation planes.

With award selection slated for September, it still remains uncertain whether or not Northrop Grumman Corp. and the North American arm of the European Aeronautic Defence and Space Co. (EADS) will submit a bid to compete with Boeing Corporation. Northrop and other critics of the KC-X contract process—which restarted for the third time after a 2008 award to Northrop and EADS North America was overturned on appeal—have expressed deep concerns that the DoD has tailored the KC-X contract in favor of Boeing's less expensive 767 plane.