EADS nearing tanker bid decision

Europe's EADS is nearing a decision to compete directly with Boeing for a contract to supply aerial tankers to the Air Force, according to a Reuters analysis. EADS now has prime contractor status, and it hopes to get a 90-day extension on the bid deadline. EADS and its former teammate, Northrop Grumman, won the $35 billion contest in February 2008, but it was overturned on a Boeing protest. Northrop earlier this month dropped out of the battle on grounds the new request for proposals favors the smaller Boeing tanker. (Source: Reuters, 03/26/10) Gulf Coast note: EADS, should it bid and win, would assemble the tankers in Mobile, Ala.