By
Associated Press
.
Published: Wed, June 18, 2008 - 11:36 am
WASHINGTON (AP) - Congressional investigators have grantedBoeing'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.”
New Tanker Contract Two Years Away
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This is an interesting part of the GAO decision.
In addition to telling the Air Force it should redo the bidding, the GAO recommended that “the Air Force reimburse Boeing the costs of filing and pursuing the protest, including reasonable attorneys’ fees.”