Tanker Dispute: GAO Favors Boeing

Alabama Mobile Air Force under pressure now to take another look at $35 billion tanker contract. Also read Sen. Richard Shelby Gov. Bob Riley Rep. Jo Bonner statements.

by Associated Press

Published: Wed, June 18, 2008 - 11:36 am CST

WASHINGTON (AP) - Congressional investigators have granted
Boeing's protest of a $35 billion Air Force tanker contract awarded
to Northrop Grumman Corp. and Airbus parent European Aeronautic
Defence and Space Co.
The Government Accountability Office decision is not binding,
but it puts pressure on the Air Force to re-examine the contract
and could help Boeing capture part or all of the award. The was
confirmed by the offices of Sens. Patty Murray, R-Wash., and Pat
Roberts, R-Kan.
The decision also gives ammunition to Boeing supporters in
Congress seeking to block funding for the deal or force a new
competition.
The contract for 179 aerial refueling tankers is the first of
three deals worth up to $100 billion to replace the Air Force's
entire tanker fleet.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

1:46pm
Statement from Alabama Senator Richard Shelby:

"I cannot believe that in the most highly scrutinized procurement in the history of the United States Air Force the GAO found so many errors. The fact that the Air Force will likely have to go back to square one on the warfighter's number one priority is very disturbing."

2:27pm
Statement from Alabama Governor Bob Riley:

"It's important to note that the GAO did not make a judgment on the aircraft put forward by either company but on the process. We continue to believe Northrop-Grumman's tanker is the superior product for our warfighters. If the selection process needs to be redone, then I hope it's done quickly, and, I'm still confident the Northrop-Grumman tanker will win again. What's most important is that the best aircraft be chosen for those who serve in our military and that political decisions never be allowed in the military's selection process."

2:32pm
Statement from Alabama Congressman Jo Bonner:

“I am obviously deeply disappointed – and surprised – that the GAO sustained Boeing’s protest of the Air Force’s decision to select Northrop Grumman /EADS to build its new tanker. “Over the next few days, we should learn more about the GAO’s rationale for its decision as well as the Air Force’s plan to move forward.
“Of note, the GAO was clear that its decision “should not be read to reflect a view as to the merits of the firms’ respective aircraft.” “Despite the uncertainty caused by the GAO ruling, a couple of things seem clear: the Air Force desperately needs a new tanker to replace a fleet nearing 50 years old, and the Air Force still believes the Northrop Grumman/EADS tanker best meets its needs. “I don’t believe this ruling signals the end of Alabama’s hopes for building tankers for the Air Force. It does mean, however, that we have more work to do. Like everyone else, I look forward to hearing from the GAO and meeting with the Air Force on how we move forward. For the sake of our airmen and women, we must find a way to do so quickly.”

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carl Says:

Tue, Jun 24, 2008 at 6:04 am

I think FOOSACKLY’S finger says it pretty good.

atbman Says:

Tue, Jun 24, 2008 at 5:50 am

I think the Air Force should stand by their decision. IMO, They should view this as a slap in the face from Boeing, the GAO, and the politicians on Boeings bandwagon or in Boeings pockets. To me they insulted the ability of the Air Force to make the right decision, which now has placed the future of our young men and women of the Armed Forces in peril. By delaying this contract the older KC-135’s will start breaking down or worse before the new replacements can be built. I’m not that eloquent with words, so I hope this makes sense. Bunch of selfish #$$&)$@‘s.

rosepetal Says:

Mon, Jun 23, 2008 at 8:17 pm

well i went to one of their blogs, as they call it a boeing war room and posted the picture.

carl Says:

Mon, Jun 23, 2008 at 5:35 pm

Mercy! I love that billboard! i see tiffany has sent them a picture of it.(BOEING)

BamaBob Says:

Mon, Jun 23, 2008 at 5:35 pm

Found it! lol

http://pics.livejournal.com/rich_sullivan/pic/00058ycs/

BamaBob Says:

Mon, Jun 23, 2008 at 5:15 pm

Give us some pictures of the foosackly’s billboard!!!!

carl Says:

Sat, Jun 21, 2008 at 5:06 am

Sounds good, And I think one would be in order that said ” Now the pigs can squeal” also. Wouldn’t that tighten a jaw or two?

rosepetal Says:

Fri, Jun 20, 2008 at 3:43 pm

working4u, wow now that is my kind of thinking, great idea.

working4u Says:

Fri, Jun 20, 2008 at 3:36 pm

And one other last comment.
When we get that contract sealed and done,
I hope someone takes the initiative to rent a billboard right next to Todd Tiahrts practice in his home town that says:

VINDICATION!!!!
From you pals in Alabama.

working4u Says:

Fri, Jun 20, 2008 at 3:02 pm

To be honest all of the worry is unnecessary. This whole deal is just another stall initiated by politicians that can care less how much they cost the US Taxpayer. Its legal, its done everyday and it is done at our expense. If evrything goes accordingly there will be one of two outcomes. The 1st will be if the Airforce ignores the GAO’s findings and proceeds with the awarded contract. Then we will have to wait a few million dollars down the road while the great politicians from Kansas and Washington try to block the funding, again not a care in the world how much the delay is costing the US taxpayer. That will be mighty tough for other Congress members to swallow. Hopefully the contract will be initiated.
The Second, a rebid process. Takes another year or so and again cost big tax $. Then, lets say Boeing gets the deal. OK, now it is Northrop/EADs time to protest to the GOA.So here we go again. Production time is a big issue now. What would you do today if you were the Air Force?

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