Reading the more detailed Vertical article, this award is only for a two year design study, not the expected contract to build EMD representative aircraft for a fly off competition.
This is a disappointment for Bell and a life line for Sikorsky/Boeing. Fair? No. But this is a DOD contract.
“These competitively awarded OTA agreements consist of risk reduction activities that combine government research with input from industry partners to inform the future development and procurement of the FLRAA weapons system, according to a copy of the public announcement obtained by
Vertical.
Under the agreements, each company will produce initial conceptual designs, requirements feasibility, and trade studies using model based systems engineering. These CD&RR agreements will extend over two years, informing the final Army requirements and the program of record planned for competition in 2022.”
https://www.verticalmag.com/news/bel...raa-selection/