PP,
Not wishing to appear cynical but this looks like a piece of theatre to me. Almost any project could have the same accusation laid at it thanks to the ease with which military/DE&S pers (esp contractors) move between the ECC/DE&S (and other senior mil/CS appointments) and Industry. Quite naturally, all bidding consortia engaged military specialists to help prepare their submissions - they would be mad not to. The problem is that the "cooling off" period for senior hands appear to have been enforced less than completely since BLiar intervened to help a certain retiring ex-VSO to secure a place with BAES upon leaving....
I would suggest that the Govt don't want to front up the cash as they have politically distanced themselves from PFIs, other Industrial partners are lobbying furiously for the work and the Govt doesn't want another bad news story on the heels of MRA4. Therefore, shift the blame onto some poor ex-MoD type and wipe your hands on making a decision.
Cynical? Yes, but stranger things have happened.....