Mobile Bay Real Estate Blog

The Government Accountability Office (GAO) ruled that the US Air Force mishandled the $40 billion tanker contract, ruling the losing bidder, Boeing, can challenge the original decision to allow Northrop Grumman manufacture planes at Brookley Field in Mobile.  Congress is expected to back the GAO’s decision and a new competition will launch.

Although this isn’t a decisive take-away from Mobile, it sure feels like a slap in face.  Boeing led a propaganda compaign and the news media and American people believed every word.  This isn’t a competition between the US and Europe, as Boeing would like people to believe.  This is a competition for the company that can do the best job for the US Air Force.

Of course this is a double hit for the Air Force as well.  The GAO’s ruling of mismanagement is no compliment for the Air Force.  Although the blame goes back and forth between Boeing and Northrop Grumman, the doubt stems from the decision maker.  Also, It’s well known that the current fleet of fuel tankers are falling apart after 50 years of use.  Because of this decision, it’ll be at least another year or more until the Air Force gets what’s needed: safe and efficient planes.