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A few weeks ago, Neptune Aviation found itself on the "outside looking in" when the Forest
Service finally issued contracts for the so-called "next gen" fire tankers, selecting several
other firms, including one Canadian-based company, to provide the jet-powered planes.
The move caught Neptune by surprise for a couple of reasons. First, it had been among
those selected when the first "next-gen" contract was issued, and later revoked when competitors
protested last summer. Secondly, the Forest Service has generated a lot of discussion
in the fire service because most of those other planes aren't ready for use, even as
the fire season erupts across the West. \ \
At first, Neptune filed its own protest with intentions of challenging the new contract
award. But now, CEO Ron Hooper tells me the company decided to withdraw that protest last
week. Hooper can't elaborate on the reasons for that decision, based on legal advice from
Neptune's attorneys. \ \
However, withdrawing the protest doesn't mean Neptune isn't pressing ahead with its other
business. \ \
Hooper says Neptune crews are working to finish outfitting the company's two remaining BAe6
jets and will have them online by the first of August. He says the company has continued
discussions with Montana, Colorado and Nevada officials\'85 and although new contracts haven't
developed\'85 Neptune is keeping in touch with the states so they know the new jets
are being finished. \ \
Meanwhile, Neptune crews are staying busy under the "legacy" tanker contract for the
Forest Service, flying half-a-dozen of the prop-driven P2V tankers and two of the jets
to help fire crews all over the U.S. and into Mexico. Hooper says Neptune aircraft have
flown over 350-hours so far, with a lot more work ahead as the fire season moves into high
gear. \ \
In Missoula, Dennis Bragg, MTN News. \ }