Pratt & Whitney, Boeing back in running for bid, Middletown Press

Pratt & Whitney, Boeing back in running for bid

By: SLOAN BREWSTER

Press staff

Middletown Press

July 10, 2008


U.S. Secretary of Defense Robert Gates announced Wednesday that the Department of Defense will seek new bids for a contract to replace U.S. Air Force KC-135 refueling tankers.

In a press conference at the Pentagon, Gates told the media the DOD had decided to give Boeing and Pratt & Whitney a second chance to bid on the contract after the Government Accountability Office (GAO) sustained eight of the more than 100 issues Boeing protested when the $35 billion contract to replace the aging tankers was originally awarded to Northrop Grumman/EADS.

The GAO identified "significant errors" with the Air Force's acquisition process, notably its failure to follow its own evaluation criteria.

This decision puts the Boeing plane, built with Pratt & Whitney engines, back into strong contention for the contract. P&WA's main engine assembly plant is along the Connecticut River in Middletown.

"We look forward to working with the new acquisition team as it reopens the competition, but we will also take time to understand the updated solicitation to determine the right path forward for the company," Boeing said in a statement. "It's encouraging that the defense department intends to take steps to ensure a fair and open competition that, among other things, fully accounts for life-cycle costs, such as fuel, to provide the most capable tanker at the best value for the American taxpayer."

U.S. Rep. Rosa L. DeLauro, D-3rd District, was pleased with the annoauncement. "I am confident that the Boeing and Pratt & Whitney team will again put together the best value solution. And in doing so, will prevent the outsourcing of our technology development capabilities and ensure this country retains our competitive edge and continues to be a leader in innovative technology," she said in a statement.

U.S. Rep. Joe Courtney, D-2nd District, said he will participate in a hearing on the Pentagon's decision before the Air and Land Subcommittee of the House Armed Services Committee today.

The Pentagon is expected to issue a draft of the revised bid request to the companies by early August. But the competition will proceed as key events in the process are completed, not by a definite timetable, sources said.

In June, DeLauro and Courtney had joined with other members of the state's Congressional delegation as well as Larry McHugh, president of the Middlesex County Chamber of Commerce, and representatives from the International Association of Machinists for a rally in celebration of the GAO's ruling against the contract award.
On Wednesday, Pratt & Whitney also supplied a statement:
"With today's announcement by ... Secretary Robert Gates that the new aerial refueling tanker competition will reopen, Pratt & Whitney is ready to support Boeing in meeting the critical needs of the U.S. Air Force customer. The Pratt & Whitney PW 40-60-2 two engine was selected to power the Boeing KC-767 because of its proven reliability and advanced technology."

An Associated Press report was included in this story.