U.S. Representative Rick Larsen (WA-02) released the following statement on the Department of Defense’s revised draft RFP for the aerial refueling tanker program.  Larsen’s congressional district is home to Boeing’s Everett plant, assembly site for the 747, 767, 777 and 787.

“The procurement process for the refueling tanker program must be a fair and open competition that reflects the best interests of the American warfighter and taxpayer.

“After an initial review of the revised RFP, I have questions about the increased weight given to fuel offload capability.  I also have questions about the lack of consideration given to our industrial base. American taxpayers and Boeing workers deserve answers to these questions.

“When the GAO released their report in June, they determined that the Air Force made a number of significant errors in their initial selection.  The GAO found that the Air Force failed to adequately evaluate the lower cost and greater capabilities of the Boeing tanker -- including the lower fuel costs of the Boeing plane -- and that they failed to take into account the higher military construction costs of the Airbus/ EADS tanker.

“In the coming days, I will be reviewing this draft RFP very carefully and working with my colleagues to ensure that the Defense Department and the Air Force don’t make the same mistakes again. They will be held accountable for a fair, open and transparent process.”