By
The Associated Press
Published: Thu, March 13, 2008 - 5:46 pm
Last Updated: Thu, March 13, 2008 - 5:58 pm
Last Updated: Thu, March 13, 2008 - 5:58 pm
says Congress would undermine the entire government procurement
process if it tries to block a $35 billion Air Force contract won
by his company and its European partner.
Two days after Boeing filed its official protest of the air
tanker award, Northrop Chairman and CEO Ronald Sugar said letting
Congress step in and change the rules of the procurement game would
make companies simply not want to play.
The company has hired former Senators Trent Lott, of
Mississippi, and John Breaux, of Louisiana, to make its case.
On February 29th, the Air Force awarded a high-stakes aerial
refueling tanker contract to what many considered the underdog team
of European Aeronautic Defence and Space Company and Northrop
Grumman.
The contract to replace 179 refueling tankers is the first of
three Air Force awards worth as much $100 billion to replace the
entire fleet of nearly 600 tankers over the next 30 years.
Northrop Grumman and EADS weren't expected to beat out Boeing,
which has been supplying refueling tanker to the Air Force for five
decades.
Surprise quickly turned to furor as Boeing, its friends in
Congress and labor unions registered their discontent.
(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
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Let us not forget that Mobile had to absorb a great loss with the closing of Brookley Air Force Base in the 60’s. The closing greatly effected Mobile’s economy and had an overwhelming impact on Civilian Employees and their families. It seems only fitting that Mobile receives such a prestigious award! A special thank you to the United States Air Force for placing confidence in Northrop Grumman/EADS to satisfy their contract. And a Special thanks to Northrop Grumman/EADS for choosing Mobile. God Bless America!