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Shelby To Gates: Tanker Needed Now
By Steve Alexander Reporter
Published: Mon, March 10, 2008 - 9:49 pm
Last Updated: Tue, March 11, 2008 - 9:54 pm
Last Updated: Tue, March 11, 2008 - 9:54 pm
Steve Alexander
Boeing says there were serious flaws in the process that gave the contract to EADS and Northrop Grumman.
But city and county leaders aren't just sitting and waiting for a final ruling.
As for the protest, Mayor Sam Jones said, "We think that if its listened to based on the merits, then we fell pretty comfortable about that. I think another reason is that the only way you can get into the political arena is with a protest."
Mobile County Commissioner Steve Nodine also brought up politics as a possible reason for the protest.
He said, "Boeing probably feels beholden to the politicians that they have to protest. It's unfortunate that the process was fair and open to Boeing when they thought they had won it but its not fair and open now."
Still, city and county leaders aren't letting the grass grow under their feet.
The mayor is going on a planned trip to the nations capital Tuesday.
Jones said, "We're going to Washington to talk to some people about our position on it and certainly talk to some of our delegation and talk to some people from some other delegations, some people from Louisiana, some people from Alabama and also some people from Georgia."
Nodine says he's met members of Congress as well.
The county commissioner said, "Obviously, it does slow up some of the infrastructure plans and things that we have to get working on immediately to get ready for the buildings themselves, and so we're going to have to wait ninety to a hundred days to hear the protest, but we're confident."
Alabama U.S. Senator Jeff Sessions also says he is disappointed in the protest.
Sessions said, "The Air Force set out five criteria for judging the proposals, and the Northrop Grumman/EADS won on four counts and tied on the fifth. This was one of the most open, fair, and transparent competitions in the Pentagon's history.
Once Boeing officially files the protest, it'll then be up to the General Accounting Office to review the decision.
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sorry, just couldn’t pass that up.
This is clearly an example of a monopolistic monster attempting to eliminate all competition with the use of scare tactics!
Boeing uses suppliers from around the world.
Boeing has faced numerous security problems over the years.
Boeing was up to their necks in corruption surrounding this very tanker.
This protest is simply a means to delay the contract while Boeing lobbies for a more favorable political climate for their old 767’s.