Air Force Chief of Staff Named in FBI Contract Probe
Email The Air Force’s highest-ranking officer, General T. Michael Moseley, and his predecessor, Gen. John Jumper, are the subjects of an FBI investigation into the handling of a $49.9 million dollar contract for the Air Force Thunderbirds, the air demonstration squadron. Law enforcement officials tell ABC News the FBI is investigating allegations the two Air Force generals helped to steer the Thunderbird contract to a friend, retired Air Force Gen. Hal Hornburg. Six months after leaving the military, Gen. Hornburg, whose command included the Thunderbirds,
became a partner in the company that won the contract. "One of the highest ranking Air Force officers just creates his nest to land in when he leaves the military," said Danielle Brian of the Project on Government Oversight. Investigators say Gen. Moseley and Gen. Jumper knew their friend was connected with the company when they awarded the contract. The FBI investigation came about after complaints from Air Force insiders and from a rival company whose bid was for half the amount. "We don’t need it, it’s a complete waste of money, and it is unethical the way it came about," said Sen. Tom Coburn of the Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations. The contract was cancelled earlier this year when the Air Force General Counsel questioned the "integrity of the process" and the involvement of four star generals. The case was referred to the Inspector General for the Department of Defense, and the FBI later joined the investigation. All three Generals have denied any wrongdoing. Click here to read an email on who should handle the Thunderbird contract investigation. Click here to read an email on the Thunderbird contract investigation from the Air Force General Counsel to Gen. Michael Moseley.
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it figures,the good ole boys,scratch my back and I’ll scratch yours.it seems once a person get in the goverment they seem to go on the other side greed,moey it changes everyone .when they get elected they are there to long. why let’em steal to longthats why that ole sayin crooked as a polition
Posted by: david | May 18, 2006, 5:50 pm 5:50 pm
Is it that difficult to do the right thing?
Posted by: David Evans | May 18, 2006, 6:22 pm 6:22 pm
Hey, according the the story, they DENIED any wrongdoing…so I guess they will get off scott-clean. Sounds like our CIC and his buddies…good god! They take their example from the very top.
Posted by: mcbass | May 18, 2006, 6:31 pm 6:31 pm
Moseley and Hornburg are both Texas A&M grads. Coincidence? Sort of like the recent deal with Maj Gen Jack Catton using his government computer to send out an email soliciting support for a “Christian” congressional candidate, Bentley Rayburn. Both of THOSE dudes are US Air Force Academy grads. It’s the “old school tie”.
Posted by: Mark Shanks | May 18, 2006, 6:59 pm 6:59 pm
Just one of many that have been caught. I saw it all the time, actually still do. Not just in the military but other government offices. Someone retires, goes to for a comapany A. Next thing you know company A is awarded a contract. What’s new in the corrupt world of our government? Nothing.
Posted by: Pete White | May 18, 2006, 7:07 pm 7:07 pm
Gee, so much for “Innocent Until Proven Guilty.” You know, just maybe they were the bidder that provided the most value. Based on my experience, some companies bid low, then give poor service. But, I guess if the FBI is investigating them, they must be guilty…right?!?
If the FBI needs work, let them look at all the contracts throughout government and find out how bad these contractors are sticking it to taxpayers!
Posted by: tcox | May 18, 2006, 7:12 pm 7:12 pm
Senior Officers–be they Colonels or Generals–are famous for their corrupt behaviour. The power they possess and the budgets they control would astound the average tax payer. Unless and until you serve on active duty, you cannot fathom the degree of corruption. They outright steal from the coffers of the federal government and, in most cases, get promoted anyway. Look into the GAO numbers on the cost to move a General Officer into a base house. If that home was only lived in by the previous general for a few months; new carpet, drapes, appliances and on and on will be installed at an expense of about 40K. A maid will be paid for by the government and a gardener will be provided for each General for as long as he/she resides in military base housing. The general I worked for at Lackland AFB couldn’t even put the rock salt into his special order water softener. A government civilian was paid 200.00 per month to do that chore. When we talk about the “American Soldier” and the hardships he faces, that is a very true statement. The majority of men and women serving in uniform can qualify for food stamps, they are paid so little. The 4-Star Generals may only make 125-150K per year but the perks make that salary MUCH higher.
Posted by: kh | May 18, 2006, 7:13 pm 7:13 pm
If taxpayers are going to be saddled with an “investigation” evertime someone conplains, maybe we should have a permanent team in place for political correctness on each and every bid. Give the team a percentage of what they save the taxpayers over and above excessive bid cost and investigative costs!!!
Posted by: Bruce | May 18, 2006, 7:26 pm 7:26 pm
1) YOU REPORT: Gen Moseley and Gen Jumper are SUBJECTS of an investigation.
TRUTH: Only retired Gen Hornburg is a subject, the others are witnesses.
2) YOU REPORT: Gen Moseley and Gen Jumper “awarded the contract.”
TRUTH: The contract was awarded by competitive bid and the selection was made in the discretion of the Source Selection Authority, a Colonel working at Air Combat Command.
3) YOU REPORT: The contract was cancelled after the Air Force General Counsel questioned the integrity of the process.
TRUTH: An unsuccessful bidder filed a protest and the Air Force cancelled the contract due to mistakes in the selection process completely unrelated to either Gen Moseley or Gen Jumper.
As ABC knows (or should), the Air Force is strictly prohibited from commenting on an ongoing FBI investigation. So you incorrectly report Gen Moseley and Gen Jumper are subjects, and they can do nothing to defend themselves.
A year from now when the FBI has completed their investigation and Gen Moseley and Gen Jumper are cleared, will you report your errors? You are here to check up on our government, and I have respect and gratitude that you do, but in this case you failed to report accurately and innocent careers are being damaged.
Oxy
Posted by: pjk | May 18, 2006, 7:36 pm 7:36 pm
Please! The officers in each of the services at that level begin to loose sight of the rules and regulations. They make up there own rules to satisfy the egos. The people that are in charge of bringing charges against these people are afraid that if they make ways they’ll loose there own ranks and retirements. There are no ethics in the higher ranks.
Posted by: Retired | May 18, 2006, 7:40 pm 7:40 pm
I see every day Americans cheat lie and steal not just the rich and powerful. Don’t be so quick to throw stones when most of us live in glass houses.
Posted by: steven marler | May 18, 2006, 8:02 pm 8:02 pm
Rein in your knee-jerk reactions. This is another classic case of the media trying to take out the knees of the visibly high-ranking before the investigation even starts. Get real–there’s no 4-star willing to put his 30-year career on the line for a Thunderbird music display. As long as we’re starting the hanging before the jury gets here, I submit that the bidder that lost had a vastly inferior product that lost in a fair contract bid, got his nose bent, and is going for the most visible jugular of the winning bidders.
Posted by: Dean | May 18, 2006, 8:05 pm 8:05 pm
It sounds like bull to me.
What is wrong with a retired general working for a company that sells products to the Air Force. Who better to know what is needed and how to go about providing the service.
As long as the bid was a proper competitive bid and the services are actually provided as the contract requires, there is no problem.
Losing bidders always have the right to file a complaint and if the complaint is found to be worthy then the bid/contract may be reviewed or revoked. SO what is wrong with that? It is a good process and apparently worked in this case. As long as the entire process is subject to public review and the losing bidders are given a fair hearing on their complaint, there is nothing to complain about.
Much ado about bull I think.
We have much bigger problems with supply to the combat units of proper equipment and that is the real scandal. Proper vehicles and outfits to protect from projectiles was not provided. It caused the death and injury of many of our men. That is what we should be screaming about. And that is NOT caused by retired Generals. It is caused by the uncaring and incompetent staff now working in the Pentagon and now working in procurement. To see our men unnecessary injured or killed is unforgivable. SO this other stuff is nonsense. kenny
Posted by: kenny | May 18, 2006, 8:46 pm 8:46 pm
The concept is nothing new. Those kinds of connections and deals are everywhere inside most companies I have worked for. I would estimate more than half of American employees have encountered the same. It’s more commonly called “the boys club”, which is vert descriminating.
Posted by: Andrew | May 18, 2006, 9:04 pm 9:04 pm
It would be helpful to hear the other side of the story. The slant on this seems to be very one-sided. Why not give your audience a chance to decide after hearing ALL the information.
Posted by: eric | May 18, 2006, 9:21 pm 9:21 pm
The arrogance and abuse of power exists everywhere. The military, politics, corporate america, anywhere something can be acquired for nothing because of who you are. I have been puzzled for 40 years how those who can afford the most expect the most for nothing.
Posted by: JR | May 18, 2006, 10:01 pm 10:01 pm
Reminds me of how that limosine service with the bankrupt felon owner got the DHS contract even though he was underbid by someone else with a better service record. That story also has the military slant in it(hookers also), with Republican Duke Cunningham playing a supporting actor role.
Posted by: Pat | May 19, 2006, 12:40 am 12:40 am
In view of the culture of corruption that pervades ALL military contract-awarding, and, in view of the national problems which originate within the D.O.D., I suggest that the next BRAC cycle should start with the closure of the Pentagon.
Jack Abramoff, Mitchell Wade, Wilkes…and on and on…just how much crookedness are Americans suppose to accept before some kind of rebellion?
dumasmud
Posted by: dumasmud | May 19, 2006, 12:45 am 12:45 am
“Integrity First”
“Service Before Self”
etc.
These are the Air Force “core values” and it is all BS as you can see. Where there’s a buck to be made, the military is no worse than, and no better than, anyone else. Sad but true
Posted by: km | May 19, 2006, 3:09 am 3:09 am
Integrity First
Service Before Self
These are the Air Force Core Values. What BS!
Posted by: katem | May 19, 2006, 3:23 am 3:23 am
Not sure if this is just my perception, but is this country starting to develop third world corruption problems!
Posted by: JP | May 19, 2006, 4:05 am 4:05 am
Dean, Kenny and Andrew are correct — there is another side — the truth — which was repeatedly told to these reporters which they ignored INCLUDING the fact that this company intended to get this to the USAF FOR FREE. ABC ignored that. USAF lawyers and contracting forced this through detailed competitive bidding and knew everything about this including Hornburg’s proper involvement during the one year cool down period. If a problem existed during the contracting process they would have never let it go through the process. Hornburg violated nothing — why put a 36 year career on the line for this. Ask ABC about it. See if they post it.
Posted by: JESH | May 19, 2006, 4:56 am 4:56 am
What you people don’t understand is that once we’ve screened, trained, educated and battle-hardended men like like, they deserve anything they can get. I know the Liberals don’t want to admit it, but there are classes of people, and these great men are of a higher class, a better breed. Give them what they want, for they keep you safe and sound. Do what they say, for they keep you isolated from the evils of the World. Smoke your cigarettes and eat your McDonald’s in ignorance of what is really going on in the World. Stay uneducated and leave them alone to protect you.
Posted by: Wilksey | May 19, 2006, 6:36 am 6:36 am
Yes! And breathe out your CO2, because it’s good. It’s life! It’s not a pollutant!Just like the oil companies say it is. (In response to Gore’s Global Warning flick.)
BTW how come I don’t link to the email to the AF General, like it says at the bottom of the story?
Posted by: BarnOwl | May 19, 2006, 8:51 am 8:51 am
If I had a project, I would certainly want the most qualified person leading it. Also, there’s more to choosing a contractor than simply the cost.
Posted by: cooler | May 19, 2006, 9:04 am 9:04 am
I served under John Humper when he was a one-star general at Nellis AFB, NV. I’ve never met a man of higher integrity and professionalism (considering some of the yahoos I saw with stars on their shoulder during my twenty.)Amazing how quickly people are tried in the courts of public opinion without evidence yet presented. If people under investigation by the FBI were an automatic decision of guilt, there wuld be very few people left in government, Hollywood, journalism, and many other things, from the incompetent and overzealous Clouseau’s that we employ.
Posted by: Sylver | May 19, 2006, 9:12 am 9:12 am
As always the truth is not coming out due to people attempting to sensationalize the story — (maybe for profit ?) On the other hand Wilksey is about as off base as one can be. If he truely believes what he says – why doesn’t he just advocate annointing these guys KING? It would tie in nicely to the neapotism amoung the general officer ranks that has existed for decades. I have heard his opinon expressed before, and it’s sad.
Posted by: T | May 19, 2006, 11:19 am 11:19 am
This is additional evidence of the medias’ constant drum beat of anti military and anti US propaganda. The process in the DOD does not allow for individual intervention by any Senior officer. No general Officer I ever knew would or could influence a contract in this manner.
Another attempt to undermine the security of this country by the hate America group.
Posted by: Al | May 19, 2006, 11:57 am 11:57 am
Let the evidence arrive before the story is contrived.
Posted by: AN | May 19, 2006, 2:04 pm 2:04 pm
These good old boys are just following the examples set by his superiors, namely Cheney who refused to disclose who attended his little gathering about the energy business…..even though he lawfully was required to do so. Must have been pretty bad. SO THE MELODY LINGERS ON AND IT WON’T STOP UNTIL THIS ADMINISTRATION IS OUT OF OFFICE. I guess if you flew jets your are better than everyone else. Que sera, sera.
Posted by: BARNEY-TUCSON | May 19, 2006, 2:40 pm 2:40 pm
I’m not surprised that this happens. Congress in 1972 passed laws to curb the Holloywood on the Potomic. Since then DOD has lossened the strings and oversight of audio-visual services. The DOD regulations state that all DOD components must use the DOD multimedia organization for purchase of all productions. Included is an engineering organization that designs and purchase these type of systems. I know of other DOD organizations that are wasting taxpayer dollars by failing to follow their regulations.In fact, DOD has lost several multimedia personnel because they wanted to follow the rules and regulations. This is just the tip of the iceberg. ABC should enlarge this invetigation.
Posted by: Retired Government Employee | May 19, 2006, 5:11 pm 5:11 pm
And we are shocked because?? Give me a break, this kinda thing as been going on since the Civil War. Generals retire and land great jobs with companies who sell directly to the Government. If we are to investigate, investigate every officer who is retired from any branch of the US Armed Forces.
Fact: It happens
Fact: It will continue to happen
Question: How many Small businesses have ex-officers on staff.
Posted by: Trudge | May 19, 2006, 7:35 pm 7:35 pm
You know, I guess I shouldn’t be surprised by this one-sided, incorrect and slanderous reporting by the media. I have know Generals Mosely and Hornburg for over 30 years and have flown with both. You get to know the nature of a man when you depend on each other and I can tell you that they are the very essence of integrity. I personally know that Gen Hornburg was not directly involved in dealing with the AF during his first year of retirement; we played golf too often that year for him to have much time for anything else. ABC has greatly wronged a great American. Shame on you.
Posted by: Easy | May 20, 2006, 7:18 pm 7:18 pm
Brian Ross do you plan on apologizing for SLANDER when this is all said and done?
Probably not..why doesn’t that surprise me?
Posted by: Joel | May 21, 2006, 2:28 am 2:28 am
Life is filled with good ol’ boy networks and ring knocker networks, military and public sector alike. It’s the same at ABC news, I’ll bet.
Posted by: David | May 21, 2006, 2:16 pm 2:16 pm
Is this the same Gen Moseley the presented Senator McCain doctered USAF data during the refueling air tanker hearings? HMMM
Posted by: Bob | May 24, 2006, 2:22 pm 2:22 pm
Maybe ABC should step back and learn from CBS (See? BS) and Dan Rather. If they don’t check their facts, don’t report impartially, and continue to maintain the appearance of a hidden agenda, they too may be looking for another news anchor…and an audience that will trust them. Of course they can always hire some morning talk show info-babe to try to bolster their sagging ratings…
Posted by: Nogas | May 25, 2006, 11:24 am 11:24 am
It seems that a lot of people who know nothing about government contracts has a lot to say about how they’re selected. It’s hard to imagine that Gen Moseley or Gen Jumper had anything to do with the selection of the recipient of Thunderbirds contract. It would have been influenced more by the fact that Gen Hornburg worked for the company. The contracting officer (who has more likely never spoken with either Moseley, Jumper, or Hornburg) is bound by law to be impartial on which company receives the contract. Then their head of contracting reviews the choice and so on. The only reason the FBI is included in the investigation is because of the level of the individuals being accused. The Air Force and the government takes accusations such as these very seriously. Normally, it would have been investigated by Office of Special Investigations or the Inspector General of the Air Force. Likely, the contract will not be reawarded until the investigation is completed.
Posted by: Gen | May 26, 2006, 10:51 am 10:51 am
Wow, and these are the same people who kick people out for stealing. Gen. Hornburg did not wait the six months to deal with the govt….Gen. Moseley and Gen. Jumper helped pushed the deal through. A contract is presented with certain criteria you must meet, and the lowest bidder is chosen. How can a bid twice as much be overlooked? Corruption.
Posted by: CaptSaavy | June 11, 2006, 1:35 pm 1:35 pm
I am in no way saying what happened in this instance. I think the polictical slander held forth by most major media oulets is crazy. OKay off the soap box. Sorry about that. Capt Saavy I just wanted to clarify one little thing. (As it is my actual job) If both comanies in the bid are identical then absolutley, the lowest bidder would be taken. However, in this instance if you go through all the information and see what was offered there is a glaring difference between the two bids and the quality of work that can be offered. This being the case, the lowest bid was not the best and higher one was in fact the best fit. I wonder if you are active duty or prior service and understand exactly how these things are done. It is not as cut and dry as this biased news reporter claims. God Bless America and I will continue to fight for all of your rights to badmouth us at every turn.
Posted by: ActiveService | July 12, 2006, 10:50 pm 10:50 pm
All this is nothing compared to the Vice President and Hallibuton’s involvement in the Iraq war and nothing is being done about that.
Posted by: Taxpayer | December 29, 2006, 12:38 pm 12:38 pm
This is just part of the CORRUPTED GEORGE W. BUSH ADMINISTRATION. This also goes along with the Bush/Cheney/Rice $1.0 Trillion U.S. Embassy in IRAQ!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: Sam Hill | April 17, 2008, 9:41 pm 9:41 pm
This is the same Airforce that has become the evangelizing heart of the military today.
Posted by: JR | June 5, 2008, 1:40 pm 1:40 pm
As a former Procurement mid-level officer in the US Armed Forces I would have easily notice legal issues with this contract award. Yet, the same people that would have thrown me in jail for awarding this contract don’t seem to see any conflict with their actions…interesting!
Posted by: Alvin | June 5, 2008, 2:56 pm 2:56 pm
its no secret that in almost every facet of air force life corruption is an everyday practice, from soliciting credit cards on behalf of private banks to Falsely accusing enlisted airman out to save money. from top to bottom the Air force is a rotting Cesspool of greed and corruption i cant wait till my contract is up.
Posted by: AF guy | December 12, 2008, 4:35 am 4:35 am