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No Way To Run An Air Force

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: July 13, 2008

New refueling tankers, badly needed at MacDill Air Force Base and by our troops worldwide, are delayed yet again.
Defense Secretary Robert Gates appears justified in calling for a redo of the contest apparently won earlier this year by Airbus, built by Northrop-EADS.

Boeing protested that the bidding was unfair because the Air Force didn't follow its own guidelines. The General Accounting Office took a look and confirmed the complaint has merit.

It is outrageous that the bidding on a $35 billion contract - that could eventually be worth $100 billion - is so beset with uncertainty that the troops flying dangerous missions can't get timely delivery of the modern refueling planes they have long needed.

The old Boeing-built KC-135 tankers that are frequently seen coming to and from MacDill are the oldest warplanes still in the fight.

The contract battle has been fought against a backdrop of corruption and intense politics - which state gets the jobs and whether such a big piece of U.S. defense should be built by a company based in Europe.

If the Pentagon is to get the best equipment at the best price, it must invite vigorous competition. Imagine what the U.S. car industry would sell us if it were protected from Asian and European competitors.

Gates, who recently fired the Air Force secretary and chief of staff, now says he doesn't trust the Air Force to land this deal. The Pentagon will take over review of the bids.

Among Boeing's gripes is that the Air Force encouraged it to submit plans for a tanker small enough to land on short airstrips, then gave the longer-landing Airbus points for being bigger and capable of carrying more fuel.

Going with Airbus was not illogical. It's an excellent aircraft that beat Boeing's bids in Great Britain and Australia. But it is widely agreed that Boeing's plane is just as capable of fulfilling the mission, and perhaps better designed to fit the Air Force's original specifications.

Gates promises the Pentagon will make a quick decision, but that seems unlikely given that the bids may be modified and that the losing bidder will likely appeal.

Many members of Congress say a tie, or close to it, should go to the home team. Military pilots, as well as taxpayers, deserve an instant replay. The only way to have the strongest military at the best price is for the real winner to actually win.

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