Space Exploration Technologies Corp. (SpaceX) May 19 accused the rocket engine provider Aerojet Rocketdyne
of a “revolving door” arrangement in which a former Air Force procurement official awarded national security launch provider United Launch Alliance (ULA) the “block buy” of launch cores before accepting a position with ULA-supplier Aerojet Rocketdyne.
In its amended complaint in the U.S. Court of Federal Claims in case versus the Air Force, SpaceX cites a report from the National Legal and Policy Center (NLPC) that says Roger “Scott” Correll, a former program executive officer (PEO) for the Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle (EELV) program, has taken a senior position with Aerojet Rocketdyne.
The NLPC report says Correll was responsible for procuring launch services from private companies and that one of his last official acts before “retirement” in January was overseeing the multi-billion dollar block buy of 35 launch cores to ULA. NLPC says Correll started his new job as vice president for government acquisition and policy with Aerojet Rocketdyne this month.
Aerojet Rocketdyne spokesman Glenn Mahone and the Air Force did not respond to emails by press time Friday seeking comment. In its case, SpaceX vs. Air Force, the company is suing to force the service to compete its block buy of launch cores awarded to ULA.
As the NLPC notes, there is a difference between poor impressions and illegal behavior. NLPC cites the Boeing [BA] KC-46 tanker scandal in which an Air Force official was convicted and sentenced to prison for negotiating employment with the contractor while still in her official Air Force position. Top Boeing officials also lost their jobs and one also served prison time himself, according to NLPC.
Aerojet Rocketdyne is a division of GenCorp [GY]. United Launch Alliance is a joint venture of Boeing and Lockheed Martin [LMT].