The New York Times details the collusion between Boeing and Air Force personnel in a proposed $20 billion contract for the acquision of 767’s. Even after the scandal led to this week’s resignation of Boeing’s CEO, the Air Force’s top acquisitions official distributed messages to the parties urging Boeing and the Pentago to close the deal “a.s.a.p.” before public opposition mounted. This official had earlier this year forwarded to Boeing copies of internal Pentagon memos detailing the Defense Dept’s planned negotiating strategy for the contract.

And Pentagon adviser Richard Perle came under fire on Friday for failing to disclose financial ties to Boeing Co., even while championing its bid for a controversial $20 billion-plus defense contract. —CommonDreams