Industry concerned over tanker rules

Reuters reports that industry executives are starting to raise questions about the Pentagon’s draft rules for a new aerial tanker competition and say the bid for a "fixed-price" deal on such a big development program is unprecedented and risky. Boeing and Northrop Grumman are not saying much, but some executives are beginning to privately air concerns about the rules, according to Reuters. (Source: Reuters, 10/22/09) Gulf Coast note: Northrop and partner EADS plan to assemble the planes in Mobile, Ala., if they are awarded the contract.