Boeing and EADS got their bids into the office with time to spare. US Aerospace said its bid arrived at Wright-Patterson half an hour before the deadline. The Defense Department said it was five minutes late.US Aerospace is a new company that is in partnership with Antonov, a state-owned Ukrainian aircraft manufacturer that used to build planes for the Soviet Union's military and now specializes in building very large aircraft.
Because of the late arrival of the bid, the Defense Department will not consider US Aerospace's proposal, according to Pentagon chief spokesman Geoff Morrell.
"We are not allowed by law to even review their proposal. It did not arrive in time. So we cannot consider it. We cannot review it," Morrell said.
A spokesman for US Aerospace, Chuck Arnold, said the Defence Department "still feel[s] the cold war is on" and doesn't want US Aerospace to succeed in the bid.
IOW: Racist!
Morrell said the rules are clear.
Yep. Ask any lawyer.
"This is a $30 billion to $40 billion contract. That is not a high school homework assignment, OK? These deadlines count, and any professional contractor understands that," he said.
Pay attention, Boeing and EADS: If you win the bid, you better be done on time.
Oh please, once they cash the check 'deadlines' become negotiable ...
Chuck Arnold, a spokesman for US Aerospace, said the bid proposal was on time.
I deny your definition of "on time" and substitute my own.