The story

The Pentagon has "terminated" the competition for an Air Force airborne tanker contract for now, leaving the decision for the next presidential administration, a statement from the Defense Department said Wednesday.

The Pentagon has notified Congress and competing contractors Boeing and Northrop Grumman that the "solicitation and award" can't be done by January.

Defense Secretary Robert Gates -- who made the decision in consultation with Defense and Air Force officials -- said it would be better to have a "cooling-off" period rather than come up with "an incomplete and possibly contested process." Read full article »

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