U.S. DoD Not Positive on Murtha's Split Tanker Award Idea

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A few days ago Congressman Murtha, the powerful Democratic head of the House Appropriations Subcommittee for defense, suggested awarding a contract to Boeing and EADS to buy tankers. This is a plan fraught with issues especially for a small buy. Now the Pentagon has come out and said that it is not a good idea. Reuters reports that the current acquisition head, John Young, says that a split buy will increase development costs and negate the whole idea of competition. The Pentagon is confident that the new contract will be awarded in 2010. Of course some argue that the dual award will prevent protests that have delayed the contract.

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Matthew Potter works supporting US Army aviation programs. He holds degrees in history as well as studying at the Defense Acquisition University. He has written for Seeking Alpha and at his own website, Defense Procurement News.

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