Hyten disappointed about Boeing GBSD decision, will assess competition as JCS vice chair

Air Force Gen. John Hyten said he was disappointed by Boeing's decision not to bid on the Ground Based Strategic Deterrent program and would look at the competition if confirmed to become vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

"I always get concerned when competition disappears from America. Anytime we're in a competitive environment, that puts pressure on schedule, pressure on cost and we have a higher likelihood of getting delivery of the capability, that's why I was so disappointed when Boeing decided not to compete for GBSD," Hyten said today during his confirmation hearing before the Senate Armed Services Committee.

Boeing informed the Air Force in two letters this month it would not bid on the GBSD contract as currently structured, potentially leaving Northrop Grumman as the sole prime vendor in the competition to develop the intercontinental ballistic missile replacement system.

Hyten, who serves as head of U.S. Strategic Command, told lawmakers he has not spoken with Air Force or Defense Department acquisition leaders about the impact of Boeing's decision.

"I know that we have many programs that are well run with a single contractor at this point in the competition. I think that the remaining competitor could be that person but I have not looked at it in detail, but if I'm concerned as the vice chairman, I will look at that in detail," he said.