Lawrence, KS – U.S. Senator Sam Brownback says the Pentagon shouldn't revise the bidding process for a multibillion dollar aircraft contract. Both Boeing and a partnership between Northrop Grumman and European aircraft maker Airbus are seeking the contract to build Air Force refueling tankers. Northrop Grumman and Airbus want the bidding requirements to be changed and is threatening not to bid if they aren't. Brownback says there's a process in place for contracts like this.
Sam Brownback: "That should be done and that should be followed and not some extraordinary bending to the will of one of the potential competitors to get them to bid."
The $35 billion contract would build around 180 planes. Boeing's Kansas units would likely perform some work if that company wins the deal.