AF may use contractors for refueling missions

[unhappycamper]

Private refuelers
Contractors could fly some missions


AF may use contractors for refueling missions
By Bruce Rolfsen - Staff writer
Posted : Monday Dec 8, 2008 11:55:22 EST

With the purchase of the new KC-X tanker on hold, the Air Force is looking at hiring private contractors to fly aerial refueling missions.

On Dec. 16, the Air Force will explain to potential refueling firms the likely requirements for a private company to handle refueling missions. A notice from the Aeronautical Systems Center at Wright Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, cautioned that the service is not yet ready to ask for formal proposals. Instead, the service is looking at what contractors might have to offer and answer questions from potential contractors.

Congress mandated looking at private refuelers in 2008.

The Air Force was expecting to have the KC-X tanker program up and running by now.

In February, a contract was awarded to Northrop Grumman/EADS for 179 tankers to replace KC-135 Stratotakers, but a successful protest by the losing bidder, Boeing Co., and a scathing rebuke by the Government Accountability Office of bidding procedures resulted in the contract award cancellation.


Rest of article at: http://www.airforcetimes.com/news/2008/12/airforce_private_refueling_120808w/%2e

[blm]

1. USS Cole was bombed thanks to DoD outsourcing 'logistics' to...KBR (Halliburton)

That worked out well for this country. Wonder why that bit of privatization was left in place by Clinton Administration?

[dixiegrrrrl]

2. That's the beauty of private contractors. Twice the cost and zero accountability.

[Angleae]

3. They can look all they want.

But they'll find no companies have such an aircraft.