WASHINGTON – U.S. Rep. Jo Bonner (R-AL) today made the following statement after GAO announced today it had sustained Boeing’s protest of the Air Force tanker contract:
“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.”