SJM 8033

SENATE BILL REPORT
SJM 8033

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.

As of March 10, 2008

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: Senators Shin, Benton, Eide, Hobbs, Hatfield, Regala, Schoesler, Hewitt, Zarelli, Weinstein, Marr, Rasmussen, Roach, Carrell, King, Brandland, Kilmer, McDermott, Kastama, Berkey, Keiser, Kauffman, Delvin, Honeyford, Holmquist, Tom, Fairley, Murray, McAuliffe, Hargrove, Kline, Kohl-Welles, Spanel, Stevens and Haugen.

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 (Boeing) also submitted a bid for the contract. 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 the State of Washington, 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.