GAO sides with Boeing on Tanker Project

It was very disappointing news that the Government Accounting Office agreed with Boeing that there were flaws in the bidding process that awarded a contract to Northrop Grummann/EADS to replace the aging refueling tankers in the Air Force fleet.

There is some uncertainty of what the future holds. The Air Force could rebid the process, which means it could take another year to decide where and who would be building the airplanes. The Air Force could decide that the tankers need to be replaced as soon as possible and start the manufacturing process in Mobile. It is believe though that Congress would vote to withhold funding if this scenario is to occur.

Northrop Grumman/EADS will release a statement after reviewing the GAO's findings.

Our local leaders though say that the fight as just begun to keep the tanker project. Here are a few quotes:


Governer 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."

Congressman Jo Bonner released this statement - “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.”

"I feel comfortable with the team we have. I feel comfortable with the aircraft we have. It's just a matter of us winning again. I really don't look at that as being the end of the line, I think it's the beginning." said Mobile Mayor Sam Jones.

“It is apparent the GAO has been impacted by the public relations war that played out in the media,” said Win Hallett, president of the Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce. “Boeing spent millions of dollars on an advertising attack. Based on the facts of the two proposals it is clear Northrop Grumman’s KC-45 is a far superior aircraft than Boeing’s offering. Mobile is ready to press on and fight for the best tanker.”

“(This is) obviously a huge disappointment,” said Bay Haas, executive director of the Mobile Airport Authority."

“Obviously we are incredibly disappointed. Boeing has succeeded in totally misrepresenting the nature of the project. Now we must continue to fight for this program and fight for jobs for Mobile and the central Gulf Coast,” said Mobile County Commission President Stephen Nodine.

“Certainly we believe that the KC-45 is the best plane for the American taxpayers and the American military. We have to continue to fight for this program and for jobs for Mobile County,” said Mobile County Commissioner Merceria Ludgood.

“We are disappointed, of course. We still believe that Mobile and Northrop Grumman are the best for the American taxpayers and for the Air Force,” said Alabama State Port Authority Director Jimmy Lyons.