Boeing should be allowed to bid again for a multi-billion dollar United States Air Force contract, according to the US Government Accountability Office.

Boeing Protest

The contract, for the provision of the USAF’s new tanker aircraft, was won by Northrop Grumman/ EADS, with the KC-30 aircraft. After losing out, Boeing formally protested against the decision and, now, the GAO has conceded that a “number of errors” were made by the USAF that could have affected the ultimate choice of Northrop Grumman/ EADS over its US rival.

Pressure on USAF

The GAO’s verdict is not a binding one, but it will place enormous pressure on the USAF to re-start the bidding process once more.

"The Air Force made a number of significant errors that could have affected the outcome of what was a close competition”, the GAO stated.

"We therefore sustained Boeing's protest."

The ruling signifies a substantial victory for Boeing itself, which, potentially, could be able to put forward its KC-767 for consideration once again.

The decision also received a warm reception within the US government, with many lawmakers having previously been incensed at the prospect of jobs in the US being lost.

The USAF, meanwhile, said it would assess the GAO’s verdict and take it from there.

"The Air Force will select the best value tanker for our nation's defence, while being good stewards of the taxpayer dollar", it said.

The ruling was a source of disappointment for EADS, although Louis Gallois, the group’s Chief Executive, delivered a positive message, stating: "It's important to recognise that the announcement is an evaluation of the selection process, not the merits of the aircraft.”

Northrop Grumman spokesman Randy Belote commented: "We continue to believe that Northrop Grumman offered the most modern and capable tanker."

Boeing KC-767, Northrop Grumman/ EADS KC-30

Both aircraft designs are adaptations of existing commercial types – the Boeing KC-767, derived from the 767 airliner and the KC-30, from the Airbus A330.

Armed Forces International will continue to cover the latest developments in the USAF tanker contract issue as new facts emerge.

Source – Armed Forces International’s Aviation Expert

Recent related News Items:

USAF Tanker Contract -

Northrop Grumman KC-30 Wins USAF Tanker Contract

Airbus and Boeing Vie for USAF Tanker Contract

Other Military Contracts -

Indian Military Helicopter Requirement: Bids Requested

Other USAF News -

United States Air Force Resignations