Team Minot’s September Super Bowl

  • Published
  • By Maj. Jeff Fisher
  • 5th Contracting Squadron
MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. --  September normally marks a significant event...the start of football season! But for the men and women of the 5th Contracting Squadron, it's when their number's called to quarterback the installation through the end of the fiscal year and demonstrate they truly "Own It"!

The success of a team's football season depends upon well-synchronized teamwork and the end of the fiscal year is no different. Squadrons prepare requirement packages well in advance. They advocate their needs through their respective groups in hope of having their line-ups prioritized by the 5th Comptroller Squadron Budget Flight and incorporated into the wing commander's game plan.

Since funding for fiscal year 2012 cannot be obligated in fiscal year 2013, the 34-person Contracting Squadron receives numerous requirements to fill last minute mission needs. Typically, the 5th CONS executes more than half their contractual actions in the last 60 days from late August to early October. This year the squadron has prepared over 200 new projects valued in excess of $19 million in preparation for potential funding.

Master Sgt. Eric Bishop, 5th CONS contingency operations flight chief, states that Sept. 30 is our day to "Own It", because for 364 days of the year, the squadron quietly goes about supporting the mission, but Sept. 30th is our day to showcase our capabilities, preparation, teamwork and outstanding players--it is our Super Bowl.

For many of the contracting specialists in 5th CONS, they thrive on getting the best value for the government. Airman 1st Class Megan Dohm from 5th CONS, led a Global Strike Command purchase for tool cabinets to be used at Barksdale AFB, La. and Minot. When quotes were received, the initial cost was $167,000. Dohm noticed a recent purchase at another base that was for a slightly different model. She contacted the base and was told the cabinets they purchased were of better quality. She called an audible with approval from AFGSC, and negotiated the better tool cabinets at a cost of $123,000.

"When I contract something for the government, I pretend like it's my own money and want to get the best deal possible," Dohm stated. "It's exciting to see how much you can negotiate off the price.

Angie Klein, 5th CONS services flight chief, added most people don't know anything about contracting or what we do unless something goes wrong.

When the clock strikes midnight on Sept. 30, the ball is handed off to the services flight to quickly contract over 15 base services valued in excess of $52 million. From midnight to roughly four in the morning, a strong "prevent defense" is conducted in close coordination with the Budget Flight to ensure contracts are awarded and no lapse in services occur at Minot. Some of the service contracts include: housing maintenance, snow removal and installation school busing. This well executed game plan is transparent to the majority of Team Minot.

Contracting professionals serve a critical role in supporting Team Minot but none of this would be possible without the support of organizations like finance, legal, and many other flights that expend their resources to develop requirements in support of our nuclear deterrence and B-52H Stratofortress' "firepower on demand" missions.

When you're watching a favorite football team execute their game plan on Sept. 30, know the 5th Contracting Squadron is executing their base game plan as well, with a dedication and confidence to ensure Team Minot will own the end of fiscal year Super Bowl.