The U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) has rejected an appeal by Sikorsky Aircraft Corp. demanding the suspension of a request for proposals (RFP) for Russian Mi-17 helicopters for Afghanistan.
Sikorsky filed a complaint against U.S. Naval Air Systems Command (Navair) alleging that its RFP "precludes all considerations of offers to supply U.S.-manufactured helicopters, irrespective of their technical or life-cycle cost advantages over the Russian aircraft".
The company argued that its upgraded S-61 helicopters "can meet the mission in Afghanistan and at lower life-cycle costs than the Mi-17".
It also accused Navair of failing to conduct the requisite research to justify sole-source procurement and non-compliance with "Buy American" limitations on the acquisition of "products incorporating foreign specialty metals".
The RFP, issued on July 8, calls for 21 Mi-17 multi-purpose transport helicopters and associated equipment.
The Mi-17 is designed and built by Russia's Kazan Helicopters company.
RIA Novosti
