Northrop Grumman & Boeing compete KC 10 contract
Jun 8th, 09
By Theresa Schmidt
Northrop Grumman & Boeing compete KC 10 contract
LAKE CHARLES, LA (KPLC) - It could have a major impact on the Lake area economy.. Right now, there's a huge contest underway between Northrop Grumman and Boeing for a lucrative defense contract to maintain KC 10 aircraft. Former U.S. Senator John Breaux was in Lake Charles today rallying support for Northrop Grumman at Chennault.
It's a major military contract that offers the possibility of tremendous economic growth at Chennault International Airport and Northrop Grumman is trying hard to win it away from Boeing. Now Grumman's Chennault operation is a maintenance and modification center. T
he contract to maintain the KC 10 refueling tanker fleet would mean up to 300 jobs paying between $45, 000-$50,000 a year.. Boeing's contract has been extended twice already. Company consultant former U.S. Senator Breaux is working to try to secure the contract for Northrop Grumman. "This would be a contract that would be worth between two and a half billion to three point eight billion dollars over the life of the contract. This is a big deal. It's a big deal not just for Lake Charles, Mayor, but for all of Southwest Louisiana and even more than that for the whole State of Louisiana because this is something you can build on."
Community, business and government leaders gathered with Breaux at the Chennault Airport offices, showing unity and support and hoping the Defense department will conclude southwest louisiana is the best choice. Chennault Authority Vice President Jane Dufrene says, "We are ready for it. We have a hangar ready to go on day one. We have trained workers ready to go on day one and we stand ready to do whatever needs to be done to bring the project here and to make it a success."
Breaux says the Grumann proposal is competitive as far as quality, cost and the capacity to accommodate future growth. "I think by a fair analysis if you look at the cost and the productivity, capabilities the Northrop Grumman proposal is really far superior. They think the contract will be awarded at the end of June.
Local Chamber of Commerce officials say the government's delays in awarding the contract serve neither the interests of the taxpayers or the men and women serving in our military. According to a McNeese study the project would have an annual economic impact of $18 million dollars per year with the potential to grow up to $35 million.
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