26.09.2006, 20:02
Zitat:Air Force tries to extend aerial-tanker competitionQuelle: <!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="http://www.marketwatch.com/News/Story/3FVVJpmh7pd0Tq1x6875cS0?siteid=mktw&dist=RNPullDown">http://www.marketwatch.com/News/Story/3 ... RNPullDown</a><!-- m -->
The U.S. Air Force wants to postpone until 2009 choosing Boeing Co. or a team led by Northrop Grumman Corp. to win a contract potentially valued at $20 billion or more to supply aerial tankers, according to a media report Monday.
By MarketWatch; Last Update: 1:23 AM ET Sep 25, 2006
In briefings on Capitol Hill and draft bidding documents slated for release today, the Air Force says it "is pursuing a full and open" competition, The Wall Street Journal reported in its online edition, citing an unnamed senior Pentagon official. See Wall Street Journal story (subscription required).
The plan also envisions funding tanker-development efforts by Boeing and the Northrop Grumman - European Aeronautic Defence & Space Co until the winner is selected, The Journal said.
By stretching out the competition, the Air Force hopes to reduce technical risks, give itself time to negotiate the best production prices for the planes and restore credibility with Capitol Hill in the wake of weapons-acquisition scandals, according to the report.
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