I think there were concerns both over the long-term cost to the taxpayer and the financial stability of Soteria/CHC's banking partners and the ex-RAF footsoldier was a a convenient scapegoat for a contract that neither side could afford.
So, having tried the best value for money approach it shouldn't be a surprise that this time DfT will just go for the lowest bidder(s).
Will the remaining two be happy to divvy it up between them (one long range and the other short) or will one of them produce a surprise (and cheaper) one stop solution at the last moment?