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Contracting Squadron keeps base humming

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Amber R. Kelly-Herard
  • 375th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. --  You may not realize it, but the desk you are sitting at, the computer you are working on and sometimes even the building you are occupying are all here because of one squadron.

The 375th Contracting Squadron is responsible for the acquisition of the goods, services and construction necessary to sustain Scott's operational ground capabilities.

"Whenever someone on base needs something they give us a quote and their requirements, and we try to find the lowest cost vendor while making sure each award is in compliance with federal, Department of Defense, Air Force, public, state, local and all other applicable codes," said Amber Gildon, 375th CONS headquarters support and Information Technology team contract specialist.

When 375th CONS contract specialists look for vendors their goal is to always seek local vendors first.

Nicholas Weiss, 375th CONS Business Operations director and deputy commander, said the squadron executes more than "1,400 contractual actions annually, valued at $75 million, which have an economic impact to the local community, as well as, small, disadvantaged, women, service-disabled, and HUBZone businesses."

Airman 1st Class Matthew Hagan, special projects team member, said, "Not only does this help the Air Force save money by reducing time, but it also puts money into the local economy."

Large businesses are also used when it allows tax dollars to be used more wisely.
Lt. Col. Christopher Juarez, 375th CONS commander, said, "We've handled about $30 million so far this year, but most of our buys take place in September because of fall-out money, and in October when everyone receives their new money."

When contracting specialists deploy, their mission remains the same, but it grows because everything from food to dorm and office buildings need to be purchased.
"When we deploy we support the tip of the spear. For example, we build the guard tower to protect our forces so they can perform their mission," said Colonel Juarez, who just left for deployment.

Contract specialists also work to provide quality of life items such as gym equipment and base playgrounds that support the warfighter and their family.

Not only does the 375th CONS support the wing, but they also support U.S. Transportation Command, Air Mobility Command, 18th Air Force and other Scott tenant units. Additionally, they are responsible for the Government Purchase Cards on base.

The 375th CONS is a small squadron with 24 military members and 34 civilians.

Mr. Weiss said, "We all interchangeably support each other and train together. We have a cohesive workforce that maximizes support to Scott. Whether a team member is deployed, on leave or tasked for outside duties, customers can count on one of us to step up and satisfy their needs."

Contracting specialists agree that the best part of their job is meeting their customer's needs.

"Sometimes purchases can be difficult, but that's when a contract specialist comes in to make things right so that they get what is needed to do their job," Mr. Weiss said.