U.S. Air Force Tanker Bid Process Criticized When One Contractor Submits 5 Minutes Late

The NewGen Tanker is based on the 767 commercial jetliner - but it will be updated with the latest and most advanced technology. (Boeing)

5 Minute Delay Scuttles Chance at $40 Billion Air Force Deal -- The Danger Room

Somehow, against all odds, the already-surreal competition to build America’s next fleet of tanker planes just got sillier and more venal. A tiny, troubled aerospace firm and its Ukrainian partner have been disqualified from the bidding because they handed in their proposal five minutes too late. The companies, for their part, insist that their messenger had a few minutes to spare.

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The KC-45A is a modification of the Airbus A330 platform. (EADS)

More News On The U.S. Air Force Tanker Bid

Air Force tanker bid thrown out for arriving 5 minutes late -- CNN
DoD: U.S. Aerospace Protest Won't Force KC-X Delay -- Defense News
US Aerospace protests US tanker contest exclusion -- Reuters
US Aerospace blames timing for US re-fuelling bid -- AFP
KC-X: Darn Those Deadlines -- DoD Buzz
Dark-horse entrant in race to build Air Force refueling tankers files protest -- Washington Post
Latest KC-X Protest Not Likely Precedent -- Aviation Week
The USAF’s KC-X Aerial Tanker RFP -- Defense Industry Daily
U.S. Aerospace protests tanker bid rejection -- Seattle PI
Is U.S. Aerospace laying the groundwork for a protest? -- Seattle PI
No further delay for U.S. Air Force tanker -- UPI
USAF Chief: KC-X Award Date Is Firm -- Defense News
Did US Aerospace Hire George Costanza to Manage the USAF Tanker Contract? -- Information Dissemination