Dropping out may be a face-saving measure that could help win Boeing added sympathy on Capital Hill. Support from Congress is a very valuable asset, as any lobbyist can tell you.
Here's the AP story:
WASHINGTON (AP) -- Boeing Co. is considering bailing out of the politically-charged bidding for a $35 billion contract to build aerial refueling tankers for the Air Force, if it does not receive an additional four months by the Pentagon to put together a competitive offer.
The aerospace manufacturer said Friday it also weighing filing a protest on the final
bids request -- expected to be released early next week -- which could even further delay an award by the Defense Department. No final decision will be made until
Boeing has a chance to review the final bids request, said Daniel Beck, a Boeing spokesman Friday.
Boeing lost the initial contract in February to Northrop Grumman Corp. and its partner Airbus parent European Aeronautic Defense and Space Co., but the bidding is being reopened. A Boeing decision against submitting another bid could jeopardize efforts by
the Pentagon to maintain a two team competition to replace 179 Eisenhower-era refueling planes.
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