| Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research |
BILL ANALYSIS |
| Community & Economic Development & Trade Committee | |
HJM 4034
This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in
their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a
statement of legislative intent.
Brief Description: Requesting the United States Congress to reconsider and halt the procurement of foreign-made tankers for use by the United States Air Force.
Sponsors: Representatives Kessler, DeBolt, Kenney, Ericksen, Grant, Springer, Santos, Ross, Morris, Conway, Moeller, Schual-Berke, Lantz, Crouse, Flannigan, Alexander, Rolfes, Kristiansen, Liias, Smith, Barlow, Priest, Kelley, Ericks, Kagi, Blake, Hurst, Pearson, McIntire, Loomis, Roach, Skinner, Haler, Linville, Haigh, Appleton, Quall, Wood, Armstrong, McCune, Walsh, Bailey, Hankins, Warnick, Herrera, Eddy, Dunshee, Condotta, Hinkle, O'Brien, Schindler, Anderson, Kretz, Ahern, Rodne, Sump, Dunn, Takko, Hudgins, Wallace, Jarrett, Chandler, Miloscia, Orcutt, Upthegrove and Sells.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 3/7/08
Staff: Meg Van Schoorl (786-7105).
Background:
On February 29, 2008, the Air Force announced that a development and procurement contract for
up to 179 KC-45A aerial refueling tanker aircraft had been awarded to Northrop Grumman
Corporation. According to the company, its industrial team will include primary subcontractor
European Aeronautic Defence and Space Company (EADS) and General Electric Aviation,
Sargent Fletcher, Honeywell, Parker, AAR Cargo Systems, Telephonics, and Knight Aerospace.
The Boeing Company also submitted a bid for the contract. According to Boeing, a
post-decision debriefing between the Air Force and Boeing is scheduled for March 7.
According to the Air Force, proposals were evaluated based on nine aircraft performance
parameters, and five vendor capability factors: mission capability, proposal risk, past
performance, cost/price and an integrated fleet air refueling rating.
The initial contract of $1.5 billion is for the system design and development of four aircraft. The
value of the procurement of the initial 64 tankers is $10.6 billion. The value of an overall
contract to produce 179 tankers is estimated at $35 billion. The new tanker is anticipated to be in
the test phase during 2010 and operationally capable in 2013.
Summary of Bill:
The Legislature represents information about airplane manufacturing in Washington state,
national economic conditions, national security and military strength, and immediate and
projected impacts of a recent United States Air Force decision on tanker procurement.
The United States Congress is urged to take immediate action to halt the procurement of
foreign-made tankers to be used by the Air Force, conduct a congressional inquiry and reconsider
its decision, and reconsider the awarding of the contract in the name of national and economic
security.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.