The bureau does n't provide any specific numbers about how much the contractor will be paid . Australia accepts bids from private contractors for next phase of search . The chosen contractor will have 300 ships to cover a vast expanse of ocean . Authorities are still determining the exact search area in the Indian Ocean . An Australian official says he remains ` ` cautiously optimistic '' the plane will be found .
Australia accepts bids from private contractors for next phase of search . The chosen contractor will have 300 ships to cover a vast expanse of ocean . Authorities are still determining the exact search area in the Indian Ocean . An Australian official says he remains ` ` cautiously optimistic '' the plane will be found .