WASHINGTON, Dec 11 (Reuters) - Lockheed Martin Corp on Friday said it had decided not to file a formal protestagainst contracts awarded by the U.S. Marine Corps to ScienceApplications International Corp and BAE Systems Plc to build prototypes of a new wheeled amphibious combatvehicle.
General Dynamics Corp on Monday filed a protest withthe Government Accountability Office against the decision, whichwas first announced on Nov. 24.
In a statement, Lockheed said it was disappointed about thecontract loss, and believed its vehicle "met or exceeded all ofthe requirements" outlined in the Marine Corps' request forproposals, while offering long-term affordability andsignificant growth potential.
The Marine Corps is funding development of the new vehicleas a replacement for the tracked Expeditionary Fighting Vehiclethat was being developed for the Marines by General Dynamicsbefore its cancellation in 2011 after large cost increases andtechnical issues. (Reporting by Andrea Shalal; Editing by Tom Brown)