KC-X - Boeing Protest Factor 3 - PAST PERFORMANCE
Past Performance was rated "Satisfactory Confidence" for both Boeing and Northrop Grumman/EADS, despite the disparity of experience between the two in building tankers and military derivatives of commercial aircraft. Older and outdated Contractor Performance Assessment Ratings were used for Boeing while KC-X evaluators ignored or failed to adequately account for numerous troubled programs from its competitor (some examples include the Australian tanker, the A400M Airlifter, and E-2D SDD). Boeing noted that press reports indicate that some of the most relevant programs for Airbus (the KC-30 for Australia and the A-400M) are both significantly over cost and behind schedule. Additionally, Boeing has certified and delivered to Japan two of the most advanced tanker aircraft in existence, a critical achievement that received insignificant credit. Boeing contended that in evaluating Past Performance, the Air Force ignored the fact that Boeing -- with 75 years of success in producing tankers -- was the only company in the world that has produced a commercial-derivative tanker equipped with an operational aerial-refueling boom. Rather than consider recent performance assessments that should have enhanced Boeing's position, Boeing argued that the Air Force focused on relatively insignificant details on "somewhat relevant" Northrop/EADS programs to the disadvantage of Boeing's experience.
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