BAE Systems has protested the award of a lucrative US Army contract to Northrop Grumman for development of a laser-based Common Infrared Countermeasures (CIRCM) system for rotary-wing and small fixed-wing military aircraft.
The $35 million contract was awarded 28 August and includes options for development and low-rate initial production. Once in production, system will become the standard for all DOD aircraft, not just Army helicopters, and be worth billions in potential sales.
“Following a careful review of the debrief received from the Army customer, we have identified some inconsistencies and have filed a protest with the US Government Accountability Office to ensure a full and timely review of the award decision,” BAE said in a statement.
According to the protest docket, BAE Systems Information and Electronic Systems Integration filed on 9 September and a decision is due by 17 December.
The company says its proposal for the competition “was the most technologically sound and cost-effective offering”.
When integrated with on board missile warning receivers, CIRCM is meant to significantly improve the survivability of an aircraft by using lasers to counter heat-seeking missile.
US Army
GAO processes hundreds of government bid protests each year and the majority are denied, however, if the Army is found to have unfairly awarded the contract to Northrop, it could delay the start of the programme and even result in lengthy legal battles.
The winning Northrop team incudes Daylight Solutions of California and Selex ES of Scotland.
Source: FlightGlobal.com
