Additional bidder could enter tanker competition Published March 19, 2010 By Donna Miles American Forces Press Service WASHINGTON (AFNS) -- A company that had been partnering with Northrop Grumman before it withdrew from the KC-X tanker competition has asked for additional time to submit a proposal, a senior defense official confirmed March 19. Defense Department officials are considering European Aeronautic Defense and Space Co.'s request for 90 days beyond the May 10 deadline to prepare its bid, Pentagon spokesman Bryan Whitman said. The officials are considering whether they will allow a "reasonable extension," Mr. Whitman said, without specifying how long that might be. Extensions aren't unusual for requests for proposals, he said, and are considered on a case-by-case basis. EADS officials indicated in a statement posted on their Web site that other issues could affect their decision to compete against Boeing Co. for the Air Force KC-135 modernization program contract, estimated to be worth $35 billion. Mr. Whitman reiterated an interest in the broadest competition possible. "The department remains committed to fair and open competition and welcomes proposals from all qualified offerers," he said.