WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Sam Brownback today commented on the Department of Defense's latest request for proposals in the competition to replace aging US aerial refueling tankers.

"We need a real competition that includes an American competitor," said Brownback. "The Department of Defense should not take any action that would force either competitor to withdraw from the competition."

Department of Defense officials met yesterday with Boeing executives to discuss the draft request for proposals issued last week. DoD has indicated a desire to issue a final request for proposals by the middle of August.

Brownback continued: "The Pentagon needs to take the time to get this contract right, including having extensive discussions with the competitors. Creating an unrealistic schedule only invites more controversy and risks further delay. The Department of Defense shouldn't rush the parameters of a $35 billion contract so vital to our national security, our warfighters and our taxpayers."

The Air Force originally awarded a contract to Northrop Grumman and its European partner EADS. The Government Accountability Office sustained Boeing's protest of that award, finding that the Air Force violated the terms of its solicitation. The Department of Defense is now drafting a new request for proposals and is receiving comments from potential bidders before finalizing that document.