COLUMBUS AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- In the last article I submitted for Silver Wings, I wrote about why the contracting career field matters to every individual at Columbus Air Force Base, and the Air Force.
Assuming that I was successful at explaining the importance of the contracting career field, I wanted to narrow it down and shed some light on what the 14th Contracting Squadron, has done for Columbus AFB, Mississippi, this fiscal year.
To date, the 14th CONS has executed over $85 million, compared to $69 million for all of fiscal year 2017, and 249 contract actions, as well as $2.8 million over the course of 6,000 GPC purchases.
In regard to construction on the base, this fiscal year the 14th CONS completed the contract for the $1 million dollar gym expansion and the workout stations on the BLAZE Fit Trail, and is currently in the process of completing the Alpha Warrior pad to expand the base’s fitness options.
Over $17 million in contract work began to improve the airfield this summer; from drainage improvements to repairing the outside runway and upgrading the approach lighting systems.
On top of that, the 14th CONS infrastructure flight has been busy partnering with the 14th Civil Engineering Squadron to prepare and award over $10 million in additional airfield upgrades and repairs this fiscal year. Not including those projects already awarded, the 14th CONS is actively working on $75 million in new construction requirements.
When it comes to executing service contracts, the 14th CONS keeps busy. Outside of administering a $300 million aircraft maintenance contract for the third busiest flight line in the Air Force, and the number one pilot producing base, the 14th CONS Base Operating, Support and Services flight is also working hard to keep the flight line safe by upgrading systems and purchased nearly $300 thousand in equipment to keep flight operations running.
The 14th CONS has teamed with communications to execute the network support contract and keep your inbox flooded with e-mails as well as awarding a new visual information contract in support of all the events that happen at Columbus AFB. On top of that, 14th CONS awarded nearly $100 thousand in contracts to support the 2018 Wings Over Columbus Air and Space Show and provided everything from flying acts, static displays, to ensuring spectators had a place to use the bathroom.
In addition, over $700 thousand in medical support contracts have been awarded this year, and at a glance, the Base Operating, Support and Services Flight is currently managing over $22 million in existing and emerging contract requirements.
Needless to say, the 14th CONS as a part of the 14th Mission Support Group, serves as a vital and necessary tool to Columbus AFB’s daily operations. It does not work alone though, as the 14th CONS doesn’t create requirements its customers do.
In order to be successful, contracting must team with and work effectively with all the other organizations on the base to ensure its mission succeeds and ultimately do its part in executing the BLAZE mission of producing pilots, advancing airman, and feeding the fight.