More Than Just Paperwork

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Roy Lynch
  • 366th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
MOUNTAIN HOME AIR FORCE BASE, Idaho --  The 366th Contracting Squadron provides business advice and a base acquisition program to support the 366th Fighter Wing's contracting needs.

"We meet the contracting requirements of the wing," said Maj. Mitchell Elder, 366th Contracting Squadron commander. "There are a number of rules and regulations we must follow in order to be fair and legally sound."

The Contracting Squadron optimizes mission execution by ensuring high quality, timely support and ensures they are consistent with federal acquisition regulations and public law.

Not only do the Airmen write contracts, but they also advertise requirements; conduct market research; receive bids and proposals; evaluate and analyze prices, past performance information, and technical proposals; determine the best value to the government; and, ultimately, award contracts. After the contracts are awarded, they monitor contractor performance to determine compliance with the requirements.

"Being able to go on site visits and see how your hard work effects the base is rewarding," said Airman 1st Class Matthew Beatty, 366th Contracting Squadron contract specialist.

Contracting Airmen also comprise 80 percent of all contingency contracting support at deployed locations in Iraq and Afghanistan in support of joint U.S. and allied forces.

"When deployed our mission is to procure anything we don't want to airlift in ourselves," said Major Elder. "It is generally more cost efficient to buy locally than to ship over from the U.S."

The Contracting Squadron also works hard to award the most cost effective contracts for base projects. Any money saved can often be used to fund other projects the base needs to support the mission or improve quality of life.

With the fiscal year coming to a close the Contracting Squadron is diligently working over 200 requirements in an attempt to acquire additional funds from higher headquarters. They are currently postured to spend roughly $28.5 million in potential fall-out funds.

"We would rather be disappointed by leaning too far forward than miss an opportunity to enhance the Wing," said Major Elder.

For further information on the 366th Contracting Squadron contact Senior Master Sgt. Steven Owens, 366th Contracting Squadron first sergeant, at 208-828-3106.