EADS gets 60-day deadline extension

The Pentagon said Wednesday it will extend the deadline by 60 days if EADS officially decides to submit a bid to build Air Force tankers. Europe's EADS had requested 90 days. EADS had partnered with Northrop Grumman to for the $35 billion contract. But Northrop dropped out in March, saying the government's requirements favored Boeing's smaller aircraft. Pentagon press secretary Geoff Morrell said the government would extend the deadline from May 10 to July 9 if EADS expressed an interest in bidding. EADS spokesman Guy Hicks said the company made it clear it needed 90 days as a minimum. "We will consider the Department's decision to offer a 60 day extension." (Sources: Multiple, including Washington Post, Bloomberg, 03/31/10) Gulf Coast note: EADS wants to assemble the tankers in Mobile, Ala., if it submits a bid and wins.