By AP/KWMU
Washington, DC – The Air Force today (Friday) awarded Boeing a $54 million contract to build rockets that will maintain the country's Global Positioning Satellites.
But the contract comes despite the fact that Boeing's rocket unit is suspended from bidding on such contracts.
The Air Force says it made an exception because of a compelling national interest. It says the country doesn't have another option for the satellites.
Boeing's defense business is based in St. Louis.
Spokeswoman Major Karen Finn says the military and civilians depend on GPS for navigation, and any delays could be costly.