KC-X concurso USAF NGrumman(Airbus)XBoeing

[soultrain]

Para quem quiser ler o RFP, fresquinho.


https://www.fbo.gov/index?s=opportunity ... e&_cview=1

Temo que a Airbus tenha poucas hipóteses de vencer novamente, o que já tinha ganho e por lobby perdeu, vamos ver

[soultrain]

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Northrop -- 96-98% Chance of a No Bid

Northrop -- 96-98% Chance of a No Bid
Posted by Amy Butler at 2/24/2010 7:42 AM CST
Northrop Grumman officials have apparently informed lawmakers that they predict a 96-98% chance of not bidding for the U.S. Air Force's KC-X program, which is worth $35 billion for 179 refuelers.

This isn't surprising, given the company's repeated complaints about the draft RFP issued in September.

Apparently, company officials are already preparing a communications plan for how to explain the decision.

Apparently for Northrop, the risk is too high because company officials feel the RFP more heavily favors Boeing's likely 767-based proposal over the larger Northrop/EADS North America Airbus A330-based tanker.

Loren Thompson from the Lexington Institute think tank and a consultant for defense contractors, says that a bid could cost around $100 million to assemble. Northrop CEO Wes Bush is wrangling with justifying the cost of a bid given a low probability of a win, Thompson says.

Bush, however, may have one advantage. He just recently took over the top job at Northrop. He could easily explain the move to investors as a project of his predecessor Ron Sugar, and one that he is unwilling to pursue. After all, Northrop had never been in the tanker business prior to KC-X, and it established a mobility systems divisions anchored solely on the tanker work. This leadership shift may give Bush more wiggle room than Sugar, if he had been in the same position.

Another avenue -- but one that could use company resources -- is to protest the actual final RFP. Most protests are of contract award decisions. But, the GAO does review protests of the RFPs themselves.

Typically, a bidder has 10 days to protest an RFP. However, choosing this route would require lawyers, which cost money. And, if Bush feels the tanker situation is "hopeless," as Thompson says, even paying lawyers to pursue it might be a bridge too far.

RFP protests must be based on an error in the process ... not just that a potential bidder doesn't like the solicitation. Thompson says Northrop is unlikely to protest the RFP because it would be tantamount to asking the GAO to "step out of its normal role and question the requirements of a government customer."

Company officials have already argued this in press conferences and press interviews. They have said the Air Force shouldn't buy the cheaper tanker, but that it should consider the attributes of a larger tanker (including longer range, more fuel offload and a higher capacity for passenger and cargo transport).

Pentagon officials are expected to hold a press conference about the RFP today at 4 pm. Lawmakers are being briefed this morning.

[Enlil]

De novo... Na primeira vez a Airbus ganhou mas não levou... Veremos agora...

[soultrain]

No Solo KC-X Bid for EADS

Mar 9, 2010




By Robert Wall wall@aviationweek.com
PARIS

EADS will not mount a solo bid for the U.S. Air Force KC-X tanker program, ending the company’s highest profile effort to grow its footprint in the U.S. market.

EADS CEO Louis Gallois ruled out a solo bid a day after the Northrop Grumman-led team involving EADS and the Airbus A330 said it would not respond to the Pentagon’s request for proposals (RFP), saying the tender favored the Boeing-offered KC-767. He also rejected the notion of partnering with someone else.

CFO Hans-Peter Ring says that discussions on cancelling the original KC-45 deal continue, but will not materially impact the company.

Despite the setback, Gallois insists “the U.S. tanker decision does not diminish our commitment to the U.S.” EADS already has its eye on the next round of competitions, including the Army’s armed scout helicopter and the Air Force’s Common Vertical Lift Support Platform. Moreover, the U.S. remains a target for acquisitions, although EADS isn’t planning any big deals near term as it remains focused on preserving cash.

On the A400M, Gallois says a contract to reflect Friday’s agreement on the way forward is expected in a few weeks. It will remain a fixed-price contract, something EADS originally rejected. However, Gallois says there is enough margin back in the program to allow the company to remain with that kind of a contractual structure.

The €1.8 billion charge associated with the A400M for 2009 was largely responsible for driving EADS full-year results into the red. The company booked a net loss of €763 million, on revenue of €42.8 billion.

The charges did not account for all the risk an independent audit identified, but Gallois believes restructuring of the program that is being completed now will reduce the risk of the €3.6 billion becoming reality.

The A400M saga will not be over for some time, however. Claims suppliers have against the prime contractor, as well as those from the prime contractor against suppliers, will take years to sort out, Gallois notes.

Other issues to be resolved is how to structure royalty payments countries will get on export sales as a result of the €1.5 export financing levy they are providing as part of the A400M restructuring. Gallois says there is an agreement to keep the royalty payment at a level so it will not hurt export pricing.

Meantime, European political leaders are blasting the U.S. for perceived protectionism on KC-X, saying the request for proposals favored rivals.

Although it had no direct involvement in the program, European Union’s trade commissioner, Karel de Gucht says that “it is highly regrettable that a major potential supplier would feel unable to bid for a contract of this type. Open procurement markets guarantee better competition and better value for money for the taxpayer.” The EU says it will watch the situation further.

U.S. Deputy Defense Secretary Bill Lynn attempted to address such concerns immediately in reacting to Northrop’s withdrawal. “The department strongly supports trans-Atlantic defense industrial ties and believes they benefit the American war-fighter and taxpayer,” he said late March 8.

The EU notes that defense trade balance has heavily favored the U.S. In 2008, the U.S. exported $5 billion from EU members and imported only $2.2 billion. The statement comes as the EU is still trying to bring down trade barrier on intra-EU defense trade.

The European Union’s message was echoed by Germany’s economics minister Rainer Bruederle. The RFP clearly favored Boeing, he says, adding that “also in defense procurement, free trade should not be curtailed. Particularly in the current economic downturn, event indicators of protectionism are damaging.”

http://www.aviationweek.com/aw/generic/ ... for%20EADS



Acabou, quem venceu, perdeu.

[DELTA22]

Até o parlamento europeu está se manifestando com essa "navalhada" na Airbus/Northrop em favor da Boeing...
Nem os europeus conhecem as "façanhas" do "Tio"...

[]'s a todos.

[Ilya Ehrenburg]

Prefiro aeronaves Boeing, por acreditar que as equivalentes da Airbus são frágeis demais, para uso militar.

[soultrain]

Engraçado é que a proposta da Northrop Grumman- EADS, geravam mais emprego nos EUA, por incrivel que pareça e ficariam com uma aeronave com mais capacidade e flexibilidade.

Mas fica o aviso, até podem ganhar uma concorrência, mas podem perder o contrato.

[[]]'s

[P44]

tinha postado nas "noticias":

Northrop Grumman/EADS Team Will Not Bid for the US Tanker


(Source: EADS; issued March 8, 2010)



LEIDEN, Netherlands --- EADS confirms that the Northrop Grumman/EADS team will not bid for the US Air Force Tanker replacement programme, following the announcement by its partner Northrop Grumman that they decided not to bid.

Five years ago EADS had partnered with Northrop Grumman, as prime contractor, to pursue the US Air Force KC-135 modernisation programme. In 2008, the team was selected and awarded the contract. Today, Northrop Grumman has decided not to submit a bid to the Department of Defense (DoD) for the KC-X programme.

The team had expressed serious concerns to the DoD and the U.S. Air Force that the acquisition methodology outlined in the Request for Proposal (RFP) would heavily weigh the competition in favour of the smaller, less capable Boeing tanker. Northrop Grumman’s analysis of the RFP reaffirmed those concerns and prompted the decision not to bid.

The source selection methodology clearly signals a preference for a smaller aircraft. This is particularly disappointing given that the Air Force previously had selected the A330-based KC-45 because of its added capability, lower risk and best value. The Defense Department’s RFP ignores the added combat capability that could be provided by the KC-45.

The A330 multi-role tanker transport (MRTT) is the most capable, low risk tanker in the world today—having been flown, tested and proven. The A330 MRTT has been selected over the Boeing tanker in the last five consecutive competitions and will shortly enter service with several US allies.

This decision does not diminish EADS’ commitment to the US, as reflected in the success of the Army’s Light Utility Helicopter. It also can be seen in the many EADS systems and capabilities that operate with the US Army, Navy, Air Force and Coast Guard. EADS is the largest international customer for US aerospace and defence products, contributing over $11 billion dollars annually to the American economy and supporting more than 200,000 high technology jobs.

EADS acknowledges the support from the leadership of France, Germany, the United Kingdom and Spain in supporting the EADS proposal, promoting transatlantic defence cooperation as a two-way street and the interoperability that the KC-45 would offer.


EADS is a global leader in aerospace, defence and related services. In 2008, the group -
comprising Airbus, Eurocopter, EADS Astrium and EADS Defence & Security – generated
revenues of EUR 43.3 billion and employed a workforce of about 118,000.

-ends-


Statement on US Refuelling Tanker Programme Announcement


(Source: European Commission; issued March 9, 2010)



The European Commission notes the decision announced on 8th March by Northrop Grumman / EADS not to submit a bid to the US Department of Defence contract for the US Air Force's aerial refuelling tanker programme.

"It is highly regrettable that a major potential supplier would feel unable to bid for a contract of this type. Open procurement markets guarantee better competition and better value for money for the taxpayer", stated Commissioner Karel De Gucht.

In February 2008, Northrop Grumman / EADS was selected and awarded the contract to provide aerial refuelling tankers for the US Air Force in a fair and transparent competition. This was a positive sign for free and open competition across the Atlantic. This also seemed to indicate that successful bids are possible when European industry teams up with US industry and they are allowed to compete fairly. This award was subsequently cancelled at the end of 2008.

In December 2009, Northrop Grumman / EADS expressed serious concerns to the Department of Defence and the US Air Force on the proposed acquisition criteria for the contract.

The European Commission would be extremely concerned if it were to emerge that the terms of tender were such as to inhibit open competition for the contract.

The US defence trade balance with the EU has traditionally been significantly in the US' favour. In 2008 the US exported $5 billion and imported only $2.2 billion worth of defence material, in line with a historic ratio of double exports to imports.

The Commission will be following further developments in this case very closely. (ends)



EU Warns Against Protectionism In Billion Dollar Air Force Contract


(Source: Deutsche Welle German radio; issued March 9, 2010)



The EU has warned against US protectionism, after European aerospace giant EADS said it was dropping out of a multi-billion dollar contract bid process. American rival Boeing is now the only bidder.

The EU has warned Washington of negative consequences for future defense deals between the US and Europe if a recent contract for Air Force air-refuelling tankers is proven to have favored a US company.

The European Commission called the decision by a European-led consortium not to submit a bid for the Pentagon's contract for refuelling tankers "highly regrettable."

"The European Commission would be extremely concerned if it were to emerge that the terms of tender were such as to inhibit open competition for the contract," a statement from Brussels said.

European aerospace giant EADS withdrew its bid on Monday for $35 billion (25.7 billion euros) in tanker plane contracts with the US Air Force, saying the terms of the deal appeared designed to favor a smaller jet offered by American rival Boeing.

The announcement left Boeing as the only bidder.

The European Aeronautic Defense and Space Company, parent company of Airbus, had joined forces with US firm Northrop Grumman to compete with Boeing over the contract to build 179 tankers, which refuel warplanes.

The EADS move came after Northrop Grumman dropped out of the bid for the contract, which would have guaranteed thousands of manufacturing jobs in Britain, France, Germany and Spain.

Bitter battle comes to an end

The decision followed a two-year struggle against American protectionism, and ended a bitter political battle over the deal, which is among the biggest US defense procurement projects on record.

In presenting his decision, Airbus CEO Thomas Enders criticized the Pentagon for presenting guidelines that he said clearly favored Chicago-based Boeing.

"The current bid is clearly tailored to the smaller and less-capable refueller of the competition," Enders told German press agency dpa. "The conclusion is clear: This is not about the best tanker and also not about a fair competition."

Possible no-bid contract

The US Defense Department said it was disappointed by the EADS-Northrop decision, but it denied accusations of unfairness. The Pentagon may now be forced to award a contract to Boeing without any competition, a practice US President Barack Obama has sharply criticized as a bad deal for taxpayers.

Meanwhile, Boeing used the announcement to talk up its own model for the tanker, based on the commercial 767.

"The Boeing NewGen Tanker will be safe and survivable in combat, will save the American taxpayer $10 billion in fuel costs over its 40-year life, and is American-designed and built," Boeing spokesman Bill Barksdale said in a statement.

EADS and Northrop were offering a larger model based on the Airbus A330, which they claimed had greater capability, lower risk and better value despite its size.

Fight for jobs

The Air Force has sought to replace its 1950s-era set of Boeing tanker planes for years. The Pentagon originally awarded the contract to EADS and Northrop, leading critics in the US to decry a loss of jobs to European manufacturers when they were most needed at home.

Boeing was later able to convince a congressional oversight agency to reverse its decision in June 2008, and the Defense Department officially reopened the competition last month.

Support for EADS-Northrop was concentrated in southern states because of Northrop's promise to build an assembly plant in Alabama. The aerospace duo said 58 percent of the plane and its parts would be assembled by American labor.

The decision to drop out of the competition was a setback for EADS' plans to expand into the enormous US defense market, where its current presence is relatively small.

-ends-

portanto, a BOEING pode começar a fabricar os aviões visto que é o único concorrente

[manuel.liste]

http://www.expansion.com/2010/03/10/emp ... 60474.html

Europa abre un conflicto diplomático con EEUU por marginar a EADS

[Hader]

No fundo o quê está em jogo não são empregos, mas a viabilidade da Boeing no longo prazo na área militar. Ela luta para não se tornar uma fornecedora de "segunda linha" do pentágono. (antes que alguém chilique: o termo segunda linha não se refere à qualidade dos meios produzidos, mas sim a sua relevância no cenário estratégico/tecnológico. A LM abocanhou todo o filé e muita gente ficou com as sobras dos sub-contratos...). A grana do programa KC ajudará muito.
Sem falar que fortalecer o caixa da EADS não faz a cabeça do povo do Pentágono, que vive sob o olhar atento dos articuladores do "complexo industrial militar".

[]'s

[P44]

e depois queixam-se que a Europa é que faz proteccionismo...

[P44]

French president slams US decision on tanker jets
12 March 2010, 14:57 CET


(LONDON) - French President Nicolas Sarkozy criticised the United States on Friday over bidding rules for a tanker jet contract, saying it was "not the way" for Washington to treat its European allies.

British premier Gordon Brown added he was "disappointed" at the changing of rules in favour of US aerospace giant Boeing, expected to win a multi-billion dollar contract to build an aerial refueling tanker plane for the US air force.


http://www.eubusiness.com/news-eu/britain-france-us.3kw

[WalterGaudério]

e depois queixam-se que a Europa é que faz proteccionismo...

SE eu fosse do parlamento europeu, eu faria um tremendo barulho por este golpe baixo. A coisa foi perceptivelmente feita não apenas para colocar a coisa no colo da Boeing, mas para descartar de vez a AIRBUS. Não que tenha sido surpresa para mim. Mas já está feito. A gringalhada é assim mesmo.

[Bourne]

e depois queixam-se que a Europa é que faz proteccionismo...

SE eu fosse do parlamento europeu, eu faria um tremendo barulho por este golpe baixo. A coisa foi perceptivelmente feita não apenas para colocar a coisa no colo da Boeing, mas para descartar de vez a AIRBUS. Não que tenha sido surpresa para mim. Mas já está feito. A gringalhada é assim mesmo.

Tadinha da Europa.

[soultrain]

Source: EADS Seeking New Tanker-Bid Partner
By JOHN REED
Published: 12 Mar 2010 15:46


The U.S. Air Force's $35 billion KC-X competition may not end up being a sole-source competition. It appears that EADS is looking to buy time to find a new partner to bid against tanker rival Boeing.
European defense giant EADS has asked the Pentagon for additional time to find a new partner to bid in the $35 billion KC-X competition for the U.S. Air Force, according to numerous sources. (ROMEO GACAD / AFP VIA GETTY IMAGES)

"We're hearing that EADS has approached [the U.S. Defense Department] and asked for an extension to the tanker bid submittal deadline," which is in mid-May, one congressional aide said March 12.
Related Topics

* Americas
* Air Warfare

A DoD official said later in the day, "We are neither encouraging or discouraging EADS from bidding. That said, it's not uncommon for us to extend RfPs a reasonable amount of time. But we haven't been asked to do so in this instance."

Meanwhile, Pentagon acquisition chief Ashton Carter dodged questions from reporters on the matter during a March 12 press conference at the Pentagon. All Carter would say is that the Pentagon "values the contribution of European industry to the choices that we can make as a department." He said that although the Pentagon doesn't have "an indication of any additional bidders, DoD is happy to have a competition."

EADS North America spokeman Guy Hicks said March 12, "We don't comment on any communications between [EADS] and our customers."

One senior EADS official said earlier this week that he had serious doubts the company has enough time to find a new U.S. partner that could handle a $35 billion deal, such as Lockheed Martin, L-3 Communications or Raytheon.

However, Raytheon issued a cryptic statement March 12 when asked whether company officials were in talks with EADS about a tanker partnership.

"We have the technology and capabilities to support the tanker program in a number of ways, but we have to refer [inquiries on the matter] to EADS," a company spokeswoman said.

Lockheed and L-3 were unavailable for comment at press time.

Three U.S. lawmakers with large numbers of Boeing employees among their constituents - Sen. Sam Brownback (R-Kan.), Sen. Pat Roberts (R-Kan.), and Rep. Todd Tiahrt (R-Goddard) responded March 12 to reports of EADS' deadline request: "Delay is unacceptable. Dragging out this competition hurts our warfighters and costs the taxpayer," Brownback said.

Several analysts said time may have run out for EADS.

"Finding someone else would be tough to do unless they have already done the groundwork" to establish a brand new KC-X partner, Center for Strategic and Budgetary Assessments Senior Fellow Mark Gunzinger said March 10.

Richard Aboulafia of the Teal Group was even more dubious, saying in a March 9 e-mail when asked whether he thought the Air Force might grant EADS extra time to put together a new tanker partnership: "Hell, no. EADS today said they were withdrawing - period."

Aboulafia was referring to comments made that day by EADS Chairman Louis Gallois.

"When Northrop Grumman, which is one of the most important defense suppliers in the United States, makes the analysis that they have no chance to win, I don't think that we have more chance going alone," he said. "That's clear for us."

Loren Thompson of the Lexington Institute said neither Raytheon or L-3 can manage a large aircraft production program. "They've never built a tanker," he said. "This whole thing sounds unlikely."

In March 10 testimony, Air Force leaders told lawmakers they intended to move ahead with program as scheduled.

---

John T. Bennett and Vago Muradian contributed to this report.