SASLess. This competition has been 'ongoing' for some time. Some serious lobbying of USG has (allegedly) been going on in attempts to keep the contract 'in (Dons) house'. The following self explanatory open letter to Forbes Magazine makes very interesting (if you are that way inclined) reading. I believe it was published.
LETTER TO THE EDITOR OF FORBES - Martin-Baker
False news? Level playing field? Protectionism? - I couldn't possibly comment.