Contracting specialists help Team Holloman carry out the mission

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Michael Means
  • 49th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
HOLLOMAN AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. --  Often times, people don't realize the importance of having the right tools and equipment required to complete daily tasks or construction projects around base to improve the quality of life; however one squadron here does, and helps play an important role in acquiring those assets which are vital to the mission.

The 49th Contracting Squadron here purchases the majority of goods and services for the 49th Fighter Wing, 46th Test Group, 4th Space Surveillance Squadron and the 19 other associate units here.

"The Contracting Squadron supports all base functions and touches all components of logistics within the Air Force by providing purchasing support," said Major Jeffrey Moody, 49th Contracting Squadron commander. "We purchase services, construction and other commodities for the base."

"One of the things we would like the base to understand is that they are our customer," said Ms. Sandra East, 49th CONS Services and Commodities Flight chief. "We really strive to give them the best customer service."

Approximately 45,000 annual contract support actions valued in excess of $65 million for all units here are provided by the contracting squadron.

The contracting squadron manages solicitations, executes competitions, awards contracts and administers on-going efforts for commodities, services, construction, aircraft maintenance, repairs, bombing ranges, competitive sourcing and privatization.

The contracting squadron is broken into three flights: Services and Commodities, Construction and Plans and Programs.

The Services and Commodities Flight manages all the service contracts such as custodial, grounds, refuge, library, laundry and base telecommunications service for the base. All service contracts range around five to six million dollars. The Commodities Flight purchases goods and items for end users.

The Construction Flight awards and administers contracts throughout the base in coordination with the 49th Civil Engineering Squadron. They are focused on improving the base infrastructure.

The Plans and Programs Flight oversees the Government Purchase Card (GPC), system administration for the squadron, and quality assurance for the wing.

"The Plans and Programs Flight makes sure we are getting what we pay for," said 1st Lt. Christian Balmaceda, 49 CONS Plans and Programs Flight commander.

The contracting squadron is also continuously engaged in supporting and preparing for contracts in contingency and wartime environments.

"We sustain the war fighter by providing the services and supplies they need to be successful," said Lieutenant Balmaceda. "We are the support for the entire wing."

At forward-deployed locations the contracting squadron ensures the mission gets accomplished.

"While deployed, time is of the essence," said Lieutenant Balmaceda. "The contracting squadron makes sure the air force is equipped with everything from water for the Airmen to vital supplies to keep aircraft flying."