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Tanker Decision Expected Wednesday

By The Associated Press

The Pentagon is expected to announce Wednesday whether the Air Force will rebid a $40 billion contract to build new refueling tankers. Tanker Decision Expected Wednesday

Published: Tue, July 08, 2008 - 4:17 pm

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Pentagon is expected to announce Wednesday whether the Air Force will rebid a $35 billion contract to build new refueling tankers.
Several lawmakers have been told the agency will decide how to move forward after a government report found major flaws in the decision to award the lucrative contract to Northrop Grumman and its European partner over Boeing Co.

Last month, a Government Accountability Office report said Boeing might have won the contract if the Air Force had not made mistakes in evaluating the competing bids. The GAO recommended the service hold a new competition.

Defense Secretary Robert Gates says he takes the GAO report "very seriously."

Gates is overseeing the decision on how the Air Force should respond.

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

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Tide Fan Says:

Wed, Jul 09, 2008 at 9:56 am

RE-BID

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rosepetal Says:

Wed, Jul 09, 2008 at 9:09 am

i just went to reuters, and they are reporting gates is just going to advise on what should be done. nothing about a decision.

http://www.reuters.com/article/politicsNews/idUSWAT00975120080709

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carl Says:

Wed, Jul 09, 2008 at 8:48 am

Rosepetal, the announcement is expected around noon time.

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rosepetal Says:

Wed, Jul 09, 2008 at 8:25 am

well what is taking them so long.

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rosepetal Says:

Wed, Jul 09, 2008 at 7:56 am

if jo bonner was in mobile, that alone could be a really good sign. this is not his district. darn this is a nail bitter.

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working4u Says:

Wed, Jul 09, 2008 at 7:52 am

Just remember, over 90% of Boeings complaints were unfounded. Does the Air Force want to wait another Year for a re-bid? No. Will Congress try to pull funding if we get the deal? Most likely not. Will Mr.Gates accept any more delays? No.

Confidence is high…Lets fly.

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Tide Fan Says:

Wed, Jul 09, 2008 at 7:15 am

Well….anytime now…lets cross our fingers…We may just get the go ahead…This contract will have a lasting effect on this area for many years to come…

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carl Says:

Wed, Jul 09, 2008 at 6:57 am

If they take into consideration of the creation of new American jobs in their decision, It should be a hands down for N/G EADS. I think Boeing has raped the American tax payers long enough. It’s time for some one else to get a piece of the pie.

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julia Says:

Wed, Jul 09, 2008 at 1:39 am

I hope the Air Force does not get boggled down with politics and makes the right choice for our military. It is wonderful to think that Mobile will have another aviation facility besides MAE maybe wages at MAE will rise since they finally have competition for the work force they pay the lowest wages in the country for an aviation technician . I personally look forward to NG/EADS to open shop here and see MAE competing for the manpower.Which they cannot do since they have the worst reputation in the country.

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rosepetal Says:

Tue, Jul 08, 2008 at 8:12 pm

here is the usa buzz website. note the first comment by the airforce pilot. http://www.usatoday.com/travel/flights/item.aspx?type=blog&ak=52171630.blog#uslPageReturn

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