Snappy newsletters. Simple Facebook sharing. Spirited comments. Sweet features are waiting… GET THEM NOW!

Pentagon Delays $35B Tanker Deal for Next President

Environment too 'highly charged' for fair process; Boeing gets time to rework plan

By Kevin Spak,  Newser Staff

Posted Sep 10, 2008 11:58 AM CDT

(Newser) – The Pentagon has put a $35 billion contract for new Air Force refueling tankers on hold, Defense Secretary Robert Gates announced today, reasoning that the White House didn’t have enough time left to “complete a competition that would be viewed as fair.” The contract was awarded to a European-American partnership, but US-based Boeing successfully contested that decision, in part thanks to public outcry.

“Reason finally prevailed,” one analyst told Bloomberg, calling the delay “the right thing to do.” The reprieve gives Boeing more time to get its proposal in order, and a victory by Barack Obama might give an edge to the jet-maker headquartered in his home state. John McCain might instead favor Northrop Grumman; McCain spearheaded a 2004 investigation into Boeing that put the contract up for grabs.

In this artist's depiction provided by Northrop Grumman Corp., a KC-45A refuels a B-2 stealth bomber.
In this artist's depiction provided by Northrop Grumman Corp., a KC-45A refuels a B-2 stealth bomber.   (AP Photo)
In this artist's depiction provided by Northrop Grumman Corp., a KC-45A refuels a B-2 stealth bomber.
In this artist's depiction provided by Northrop Grumman Corp., a KC-45A refuels a B-2 stealth bomber.   (AP Photo)
In the time remaining to us, we can no longer complete a competition that would be viewed as fair and objective in this highly charged environment, Defense Secretary Robert Gates said of the deal.
"In the time remaining to us, we can no longer complete a competition that would be viewed as fair and objective in this highly charged environment," Defense Secretary Robert Gates said of the deal.   (AP Photo)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
To report an error on this story, notify our editors.
A snapshot of the day's best news stories.
 
COMMENTS
Be the first to comment on this story.

More Newser Stories

Most Popular National Politician Today Is ...

Robert Gates: Taliban Talks 'Preliminary'

Pentagon Opposes Quick Afghanistan Exit

Time Unveils Influential List

Why Obama Really Went to War


NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERS
Other Sites We Like:   24/7 Wall St.   |   Betty Confidential   |   BuzzFeed   |   Cracked   |   Fark   |   Timelines   |   The Frisky   |   Geek Sugar   |   NewsOne