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Tanker Dispute: GAO Favors Boeing

By Associated Press

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. Tanker Dispute: GAO Favors Boeing

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

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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WKRG.com Related Resources

» GAO Tanker Decision Document

News –› Alabama

News –› Mobile

More –› Mobile's Makeover Section

Northrop KC-30 Compared To Boeing KC-767

Full Gao Boeing Redacted Decision Report

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BamaBob Says:

Fri, Jun 20, 2008 at 1:37 pm

One reason is because the Washington and Kansas senators are fighting for this contract. Our politicians just sing Que Sera, Sera…..

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Emmitt Says:

Fri, Jun 20, 2008 at 1:30 pm

I guess the most discouraging part of all this is, we are ONLY Alabama… Since when are we important or competent to the rest of the world? I think the only states that are completely backing us up are the closest ones. Why does America think that we do not have the tools, resources or the people to handle this? We really are not just little, back woods hillbillies. We should be heard and not overlooked becasue we live in the deep south…...

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perri0124 Says:

Thu, Jun 19, 2008 at 7:06 pm

Bama Gurlie 73 , Good for you !! Awesome ! I just don’t want us to come to the point of wanting to leave the Union.

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perri0124 Says:

Thu, Jun 19, 2008 at 7:03 pm

Bama Bob , Have faith and confidence ! We are a very strong nation. I feel and believe our leaders will not fail us !

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rosepetal Says:

Thu, Jun 19, 2008 at 5:23 pm

BamaGurlie73 , acccording to the boeing people and their pocket politicians, we are already living in a foreign country i wonder if they consider our tax dollars and oil in our gulf foreign aide. i would love to see alabama leave the union. boeing is nothing but pork pork pork funded by our tax dollars.

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BamaBob Says:

Thu, Jun 19, 2008 at 8:22 am

Between this and the presidential election I am really losing faith in this country!

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BamaBob Says:

Thu, Jun 19, 2008 at 8:19 am

Patty whats her name was on Lou Dobb’s show last night thanking him for all he did to screw up this contract. What a guy…..

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BamaGurlie73 Says:

Thu, Jun 19, 2008 at 8:03 am

It’s #### like this that makes me want to pack up and move to some remote desert island where there is no government, politics or big fat pushy corporate ****heads.

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carl Says:

Thu, Jun 19, 2008 at 4:12 am

This is not a feel good story where right over comes might and the bad guys lose. This is politics down and dirty and if you’re not ready to play dirty,get out of the game. BOEING has enough paid politicians and workers to do all their dirty work for them. Having Tankers in a timely manner doesn’t seem high on their agenda so you fight fire with fire, Appeal the appeal, get all our senators and congressmen and neighboring states to vote against any spending of federal tax money on any project in those states, Filibuster or what ever necessary. We now need to see how mean our representatives can be when their constituents are getting the shaft and not politics as usual and lunch with these people at a Washington club. We need some junk yard dog mean people right now and not let’s wait and see. It’s too late when the game’s over unless you’re Boeing and Boeing’s paid politicians.

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rosepetal Says:

Thu, Jun 19, 2008 at 3:42 am

i believe boeing already had their gao pocket people in play before mobile was ever awarded the bid, just as back up. if our military can risk their lives defending these crooks, they should be able to choose who builds the planes they depend on. this was a done deal by boeing people before the bidig ever started. if any body deserves to have money reimbursed its eads, but really the money should be donated to our military families serving in the war on terrorism. boeing is so pro military (yeah right, they are pro corruption) i think it would be the right thing to do. europe and alabama should boycott any washington state, kanas, products.

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