Tanker Talk on Capitol Hill

By Jennifer Dale

M50o93H7pQ09L8X1t49cHY01Z5j4TT91fGfr Tanker Talk on Capitol Hill

Published: Wed, March 05, 2008 - 10:02 am
Last Updated: Wednesday, March 05, 2008 - 11:57 am

Members of the House Approprations Committee want to know why the Air Force chose Northrop Grumman and EADS to build a new fleet of Air Force Tankers. Northrop Grumman and EADS beat out the heavily favored Boeing for the $40 billion dollar contract. Northrop Grumman and EADS tanker will be build in Mobile, creating at least 1,500 new jobs. Boeing is demanding to know why they weren't chosen. Congressional leaders from Washington State and Kansas, the two states that would have benefitted most from a Boeing win, say they are disappointed with the decision and want to know the reasons behind it. For more information about the tanker decision, visit out special section, Mobile's Makeover.

Do you have questions about the tanker contract and its effects on Mobile? Email them to us at and we will get them answered for you Friday afternoon.

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I think everyones comments are spot on! I would like answers to all of these questions have any of you submitted these questions to be asked? If not please do so I think that they are wonderful.

Posted by asda on 03/05/08 - 1:30 pm • Report Abuse

I also find it rather odd that nothing was said early in the process about a U.S. company partnering with an allied country to build these tankers. Did Boeing think the whole RFP process was just for show and they would automatically get the contract?

The jobs issue is disconcerting. I would like to know more about that and if there is a real possibility that EADS could leave Mobile high and dry down the road.

Posted by BamaBob on 03/05/08 - 12:34 pm • Report Abuse

If there was a problem with EADS winning why did they not speak up when they were invited to bid? They behave as if it was a forgone conclusion that Boeing was going to win. If that were the case why waste time bidding?

Webster’s Dictionary
Presumptuous: See Boeing

Posted by Opinionwriter on 03/05/08 - 12:24 pm • Report Abuse

Why do you suppose government contracts have a bidding process? To get the best product at the best price. If any company had any expectations other than that, we can get the ethics commitee involved again.

Posted by the inquiring mind on 03/05/08 - 10:52 am • Report Abuse