DeLauro Welcomes Defense Department Decision to Rebid Air Force Tanker Contract

Press Release

Congresswoman Rosa L. DeLauro (CT-3) issued the following statement regarding the Defense Department announcement that the Pentagon would seek new bids to replace the Air Force tanker contract award. This decision puts the Boeing plane, built with Pratt and Whitney engines, back into strong contention for the contract.

Last month, the Government Accountability Office sustained the Boeing protest of the Air Force acquisition process for the $35 billion award to replace the aging KC-135 air refueling tankers. The GAO identified "significant errors" with the Air Force's acquisition process, notably its failure to follow its own evaluation criteria.

The Pentagon's decision also heeds the request (to view the letter, please click here) by a broad bipartisan coalition of over 70 Members of Congress, led by Congresswoman Rosa L. DeLauro (CT-3), that the Department to implement all of the GAO recommendations and to re-open a fair competition.

"I am pleased that the Department of Defense will re-open the competition to replace the Air Force's aging refueling tanker and given the attention this contract award has received to date, would hope that this time, the proposals will be evaluated with the criteria outlined.

"I am confident that the Boeing and Pratt and Whitney team will again put together the best value solution. And in doing so, will prevent the outsourcing of our technology development capabilities and ensuring this country retains our competitive edge and continues to be a leader in innovative technology."

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