Tanker contract signed; protest out?

The Air Force and Boeing have signed the contract to develop a new fleet of aerial refueling tankers, while EADS continues to ponder whether to protest the award. The Air Force last week awarded the contract to Boeing to build the tankers, a decision that was a disappointment in Mobile, where EADS planned to build an assembly plant. EADS was briefed on the decision earlier this week and has 10 days to decide whether to protest. (Source: Mobile Press-Register, 03/03/11) Reuters is reporting that EADS is poised to concede defeat and could announce as early as Friday that it will not protest the award. (Source: Reuters, 03/03/11)