Rep. Courtney: Air Force Mistake on Cost Casts Doubt on Tanker Selection Process

Press Release

Congressman Courtney issued the following statement today after reports that the Air Force conceded that they miscalculated the total life cycle costs for Boeing's KC-767 aerial refueling tanker:

"Connecticut knows all too well that the tanker selection process was deeply flawed," stated Courtney. "This latest admission, supported by Boeing and Northrop Grumman, undercuts the Air Force's assertion that they picked the most cost effective aircraft and casts doubt on how the two planes were evaluated on other criteria. The selection of our tanker aircraft has far reaching implications for our state and our nation, and the Air Force must get it right."

Cost was one of five key evaluation criteria for the KC-X tanker replacement source selection decision. In its initial selection, the Air Force estimated that the Northup Grumman/EADS offering, the KC-45, cost $108.010 billion over the life of the aircraft verses $108.044 billion for Boeing's KC-767.

Despite the small difference, $34 million or 3/100th of a percent, the Air Force has repeatedly stated that the KC-45 provided the most value to the taxpayer.

The Government Accountability Office (GAO) is expected to release its evaluation of the selection process by June 19, 2008.

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