GAO recommended AF to toss the source selection because of a multitude of factual errors and procedural mistakes, thereby the decision was flawed. GAO can only advise, they cannot make then throw out the source selection. Congress didn't make the Air Force throw out the source selection. The Air Force itself upon reviewing the findings, made the decision, and those that know Sue Payton, she can't be bullied.
Nothwithstanding the fact the EADS/NG jet did not meet the requirements and refused to respond to others (incomplete, non-compliant), I can hardly see awarding the contract under those conditions.
Then there is the national security aspect.
We (U.S.) engage in FMS for access, influence and infrastructure. Meaning, we sell our military kit internationally to ensure closer ties through greater physical and political access. That access provides to the U.S. influence. This influence givess the US leverage over a country, as we can suspend, slow or terminate deliveries if the country abuses or does not comport well with US policy objectives (Pakistan F-16’s for example, and should do to Israel as well—but that is a subject for another thread).
Now, in the case of the EADS/NG bid, we see the situation in reverse. As a talking empty head said, in so many words, on the Monday after the original announcement (GMB?), if the US decides to act out of school like they did in Iraq, “we” have leverage.
A tanker is a strategic asset and one that goes beyond selling shoes. It provides the US a real capability in global reach and global power.
Ron Fogleman, the most respected Chief of Staff for the Air Force since, what, Hap Arnold, he “broke with the Air Force” over the way the Air Force handled this source selection.
There are many threads that will provide analysis of the RFP and process, if you care to review. In the meantime, since it is a done deal, I suppose you support re-bidding against the same RFP, right?
Oh. . . .so how goes BAE these days. . .
She's been 'fired' from the KC-X contract. Gates removed Sue Payton as Source Selection Authority and installed Under Secretary John Young.
I discovered this useful historical note by Dr. Richard Kohn:
The Early Retirement of Gen Ronald R. Fogleman, Chief of Staff, United States Air ForceI think you are right on, this illustrates a lot of what was already going wrong.