On June 18 20008 the US Government Accountability Office (U.S. GAO) sustained Boeing's protest of the US Air Force awarding a contract to Northrop Grumman for KC-30 aerial refuelling tankers. On March 11 2008 Boeing had challenged the decision of February 29 2008.

The GAO recommended that the US Air Force reopens the discussions with Boeing and Northrop Grumman/EADS. Offerors should provide revised proposals and the US Air Force should make a new source selection decision. Air Force is now given 60 days to inform the GAO of its actions in response to the GAO decision.

Further Information

• "GAO sustains Boeing bid protest", GAO Press release, June 18 2008
• "GAO ruling refuels debate in tanker saga" Financial Times, June 18 2008
• "Airbus Executive: Disapproves of US decision on tanker contract", CNNmoney.com, June 19 2008
• "German official urges quick clarity over US tanker", Reuters, June 19 2008
• Defense policy analyst Loren Thompson has published an issue brief entitled, "Boeing and the Air Force at war: the damage spreads", April 29 2008
• Essay by US-Congressman Bennie Thopmson on the “Tanker Deal”, applauding the US Air Force decision.