The Defence Bio-engineering and Electromedical Laboratory (DEBEL) on Friday denies the charges made by the Kermel representative, that the Indian Air Force and DEBEL have drafted the tender with reference number HQ/08 NMO 06/IPW-1/ST/PUR, dated February 22, 2008, for FR light weight overalls for pilots to suit a certain manufacturer.
“The allegations are not true as the specifications for any item are evolved after extensive testing, certification and user trials. After the specification is issued, DEBEL has no role in the tendering process.
The IAF on ascertaining the suitability of the specified fabric, have used the specification for the procurement of the FR overalls,” said DRDO spokesperson Jayaprakash Rao. 
DEBEL is a premier laboratory under the DRDO. He was responding to the report — ‘IAF tender on FR overalls sparks row,’ which appeared in Deccan Herald on April 2.
Regarding the cost factor, DEBEL has further stated that cost is of secondary concern. “The primary concern is to provide the best suitable protection to the pilot,” he stated.
On the charge that instead of mentioning the generic name of the fibre in the tender, DEBEL and the IAF have mentioned the brand name of the manufacturer, Rao  stated that it was appropriate to mention the name to make the supplies to the IAF “uniform”.