GAO declines to throw out tanker protest

[unhappycamper]

GAO declines to throw out tanker protest
By Gayle S. Putrich - Staff writer
Posted : Thursday Apr 3, 2008 6:44:44 EDT

The Government Accountability Office has denied requests from Northrop Grumman and the Air Force to throw out Boeing’s protest of a massive tanker contract award that went to Northrop and European partner EADS, according to Air Force and Northrop Grumman press releases issued late in the day Wednesday.

GAO called the Air Force request to dismiss some parts of the protest “untimely,” according to the release. “As a result, the Air Force better understands the protest issues.”

Boeing is still fighting hard to have the decision overturned, filing a second supplemental to its original protest earlier this week.

In a statement, Northrop said that while GAO had not supported its effort to end the protest of the tanker deal, the company saw Boeing’s supplemental filing as a net positive.

“Boeing’s decision to abandon the public relations rhetoric contained in its original protest filings is in keeping with our motion,” said Randy Belote, Northrop Grumman vice president of corporate and international communications, in the statement. “We are encouraged that the company has streamlined its approach. We remain convinced that the Air Force process that led to Northrop Grumman’s selection was fair, open and transparent, and we look forward to assisting the Air Force defend its selection decision before the GAO.”


Rest of article at: http://www.airforcetimes.com/news/2008/04/defense_tankerprotest_040208/