raytheon has won a few big bids in the recent past using the partner concept along with (cots) equipment items..
I suspect they will win this bid in august..
also I think they will need a back up provider in the case of satellite system failure....(sirius)
this is a big deal,imho.you can read it linked below
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB118152180322630723.html?mod=googlenews_wsj
Unusual FAA Bid Stirs Turbulence
Raytheon's Rivals Grumble Over Pitch
For Air-Traffic-Control Contract
By REBECCA CHRISTIE and J. LYNN LUNSFORD
After decades of relying on ground-based technology to control traffic in the sky, the Federal Aviation Administration is looking to the heavens -- and a few major companies -- for a better solution.
Three separate teams are vying to get in on the ground floor of a $15 billion-plus project that is expected to become the cornerstone of the next generation air-traffic-control system. The system, scheduled to be in widespread use no later than 2020, is expected to improve safety and help reduce costly delays.
DIRECTING TRAFFIC
• New System: Teams led by Raytheon, Lockheed Martin and ITT hope to modernize air-traffic systems.
• Partnering Up: Raytheon is proposing a system that uses the same networks consumers use for a cheaper system that can be set up quickly.
