Pentagon to discuss AF tanker contract today

Published 12:09 pm Wednesday, February 24, 2010

Pentagon officials will hold a press conference today to discuss the Air Force aerial refueling tanker contest.

Deputy Defense Secretary William Lynn has scheduled a press conference at 1 p.m., PST, according to a notice on the Defense Department Web site. Defense officials have begun briefing members of Congress this morning on the competition featuring the Boeing Co. and duo Northrop Grumman and EADS.

This is the Air Force’s third try at awarding its $35 billion contract for replacing its aging fleet of KC-135 tankers. Members of Congress will be reading the Air Force’s final tanker rules closely to ensure the Pentagon’s contest doesn’t give unfair advantage to one bidder over another.

After his briefing with defense officials this morning, Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., told Reuters that he’s still digesting the information. As to whether the Pentagon’s rules are fair, McCain said, “Put me down as cautious.”