Sources: USAF Opposes Buying Both Aircraft

The rules for the $35 billion competition to replace the Air Force's aging fleet of KC-135 tankers are expected to be released on Wednesday. What it still not known is whither Northrop Grumman and EADS will make good on their threat to not bid on the contract.

Air Force Secretary Michael Donley said either company has an opportunity to win the competition. Donley told the House Armed Services Committee that the Air Force will have a fair, open, and transparent process in this round of bidding.

Northrop said late last year that it would not bid on the contract unless the Air Force significantly changed the draft RFP released in September. Reuters reports that Air Force officials say the current "pass-fail" requirements in the RFP remove the subjectivity from the process, and assures the Air Force gets the airplane it needs from day one.

Donley also said buying both airplanes would significantly increase the procurement process, and would consume resources needed by the Air Force for other programs.

KC 135 File Photo

Lawmakers will be briefed by Donley, Deputy Defense Secretary William Lynn, and Ashton Carter, the Pentagons acquisition chief.  The three are then expected to hold a news conference in Washington.

FMI: www.dod.mil