Feb. 7–PANAMA CITY — The Aerospace Alliance wants the federal government to split a major tanker project instead of risking missing out on thousands of local, aerospace jobs.
“The Aerospace Alliance supports a split that would benefit both Boeing and Northrop Grumman and provide the most expeditious means of replacing the aging tanker,” Al Wenstrand, Florida’s Great Northwest president and regional representative on the alliance, wrote in an e-mail. “In addition, it would create up to 100,000 jobs throughout all 50 states, including thousands of jobs in Alabama, Florida, Louisiana and Mississippi.”
The four-state partnership dedicated to building the next aerospace corridor announced Monday it supports splitting the KC-X tanker project in half. The move comes after Northrop Grumman said last December it might not bid on the project, which would mean no local jobs. The $35 billion project is meant to replace the Air Force’s aging tankers used for in-flight refueling. Northrop won the initial contract in 2008, but the decision was kicked back for technicalities after Boeing complained, said Randy Belote, Northrop spokesman.
The new process is unfair and favors Boeing, Belote said. The company is awaiting the final government request for proposal, which is expected to be released this month. Once released, Northrop will decide whether to bid, Belote said. If the final version is the same as the draft, Northrop won’t bid, he said.
“We don’t really think we can win it this time,” Belote said.
Neither Boeing nor Northrop, however, favors dual procurement. Boeing s p o k e s m a n W i l l i a m Barksdale said the defense department does not seem to support splitting the contract, and the company believes it can win.
“We expect it to be a winner takes all,” Barksdale said.
“We are eager to be in the competition and win the contract.”
A split means the Air Force can replace tankers more quickly. One company can finish about 15 tankers per year, which means replacing an entire fleet could take decades.
Splitting the contract also guarantees Northwest Florida at least some presence to secure branding the aerospace corridor. Northwest Florida would be able to compete for suppliers and supporting businesses, Wenstrand said. If Boeing wins, Fort Walton Beach might benefit but Northwest Florida will lose a major opportunity, he said.
“Should Congress opt for a dual buy contract with both Boeing and Northrop Grumman building the aircraft, the Northrop Grumman operation in Mobile will be constructed and the Boeing operation in Fort Walton Beach will benefit,” Wenstrand said. “For Northwest Florida, this situation is a win-win rather than an all or nothing approach to supporting either Boeing or Northrop Grumman.”
