More Boeing military contracts to be probed

  • Associated Press
  • Tuesday, November 9, 2004 9:00pm
  • Business

WASHINGTON – The Pentagon said Tuesday it has asked the Government Accountability Office to investigate a range of Air Force contracts tainted by Darleen Druyun, a former senior Air Force official who admitted giving special treatment to the Boeing Co.

The review will include all contracts handled by Druyun during nearly a decade as a top acquisition official, a Pentagon spokesman said.

Michael Wynne, the Pentagon’s acting undersecretary for acquisition, told reporters that the GAO – the watchdog arm of Congress – would take over protests filed by Lockheed Martin Corp., BAE Systems PLC and L-3 Communications Holdings Inc.

The Pentagon also is launching two new task forces to investigate Druyun’s dealings since 1992 and examine Defense Department practices to determine whether internal policies can prevent future abuses, Pentagon spokesman Glenn Flood said.

Druyun was sentenced to nine months in prison in October for discussing a job with Boeing while overseeing a $23 billion lease-purchase deal for Boeing to supply the Air Force with 767 refueling tankers. The deal has since been nullified.

Druyun, who eventually joined Boeing as a top executive, also has admitted providing assistance to the company on other contracts, including a $4 billion contract to provide upgrades to the Air Force’s C-130 transport fleet.

She also said she helped Boeing obtain an inflated deal on a $100 million NATO Airbone Warning and Control System contract in 2002, at the same time successfully intervened to keep Boeing from firing her daughter, who worked for the company, for poor performance.

Prosecutors said former Boeing chief financial officer Michael Sears improperly contacted Druyun about a possible top-level company job in 2002, when she still was at the Air Force and played a key role in deciding whether Boeing should get the tanker contract.

Druyun joined Boeing in January 2003 as deputy general manager of its Missile Defense Systems unit. Boeing fired Druyun and Sears in November 2003 for what the company termed unethical behavior.

Sears is scheduled to appear in federal court Monday in Virginia, where he is expected to plead guilty to a single felony count of aiding and abetting acts affecting a personal financial interest, according to a document filed at the court.

Boeing spokesman Doug Kennett said Tuesday the company was as surprised as anyone at Druyun’s revelations during her Oct. 1 sentencing.

“They surprised us then, and we’ve seen no evidence that would corroborate her statement, but we are willing to work with any and all of our customers to review all of these contracts to solve any problems that may exist,” Kennett said.

Pentagon officials say Druyun often operated without supervision and served as the final authority on eleven contracts worth more than $30 billion. Of those contracts, five either were awarded to Boeing alone or split between Boeing and others, according to an Air Force document.

Wynne said Druyun’s actions reflect an improper concentration of power for one employee.

“I did not know that she misused the power that she had. I just felt that she had too much,” Wynne said.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Business

2025 Emerging Leader Anthony Hawley (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Anthony Hawley: Creating friendships and filling pantries

Since 2021, Hawley has increased donations to Lake Stevens Community Food Bank through fundraising and building donor relationships.

2025 Emerging Leader Megan Kemmett (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Megan Kemmett: Seeking solutions to any problem or obstacle

Executive director of Snohomish Community Food Bank overcomes obstacles to keep people fed.

2025 Emerging Leader DeLon Lewis (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
DeLon Lewis: Helping students succeed

Program specialist for Everett Community College believes leadership is about building bridges.

(Image from Pexels.com)
The real estate pros you need to know: Top 3 realtors in Snohomish County

Buying or selling? These experts make the process a breeze!

Relax Mind & Body Massage (Photo provided by Sharon Ingrum)
Celebrating the best businesses of the year in Snohomish County.

Which local businesses made the biggest impact this year? Let’s find out.

Construction contractors add exhaust pipes for Century’s liquid metal walls at Zap Energy on Monday, Feb. 3, 2025 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Snohomish County becomes haven for green energy

Its proximity to Boeing makes the county an ideal hub for green companies.

A closing sign hangs above the entrance of the Big Lots at Evergreen and Madison on Monday, July 22, 2024, in Everett, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Big Lots announces it will shutter Everett and Lynnwood stores

The Marysville store will remain open for now. The retailer reported declining sales in the first quarter of the year.

George Montemor poses for a photo in front of his office in Lynnwood, Washington on Tuesday, July 30, 2024.  (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Despite high mortgage rates, Snohomish County home market still competitive

Snohomish County homes priced from $550K to $850K are pulling in multiple offers and selling quickly.

Henry M. Jackson High School’s robotic team, Jack in the Bot, shake hands at the 2024 Indiana Robotics Invitational.(Henry M. Jackson High School)
Mill Creek robotics team — Jack in the Bot — wins big

Henry M. Jackson High School students took first place at the Indiana Robotic Invitational for the second year in a row.

The computer science and robotics and artificial intelligence department faculty includes (left to right) faculty department head Allison Obourn; Dean Carey Schroyer; Ishaani Priyadarshini; ROBAI department head Sirine Maalej and Charlene Lugli. PHOTO: Arutyun Sargsyan / Edmonds College.
Edmonds College to offer 2 new four-year degree programs

The college is accepting applications for bachelor programs in computer science as well as robotics and artificial intelligence.

Nichole Webber: Drawing up plays for athletes and politics

The communications director for the city of Everett believes leadership is rooted in honesty, integrity and selfless commitment to others.

2025 Emerging Leader Natalie Given (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Natalie Given: Building trust and communicating concerns

Everett Police Department’s Public Information Officer builds relationship and better communication.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.