4th CONS keeps the buck moving

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class John Nieves Camacho
  • 4th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. --  "You got it, buck's bought it," isn't just a motto the 4th Contracting Squadron uses for motivational purposes, it's the foundation for major purchases for all units in the 4th Fighter Wing.

The 4th CONS provides support for all Seymour Johnson units by creating the contracts to buy anything and everything used in everyday operations, such as appliances, supplies and equipment.

Contracting is the purchasing agency for all mission requirements costing more than $3,000. Almost anything is attainable for the contracting specialists, from the marquees displaying messages above the gates, the desks in every office and the numerous facility upgrades all ensure a premier work environment at Seymour Johnson.

"It is a great place to work as you interact with customers across the base, learn about their specific needs and team with them to satisfy their needs," said Maj. Ty Christian, 4th CONS commander. "This is not always easy as we are held to uphold Federal Acquisition Regulations, which can make getting wants versus needs challenging, however, we do our very best to make customers happy."

During fiscal year 2012, contracting specialists surpassed a number of milestones. These professionals awarded more than $73 million in contracts, which is the most ever for Seymour Johnson. Additionally, they coordinated the renovation of the 916th Air Refueling Wing Maintenance Headquarters building totaling $8 million, the largest facility repair ever completed on base. The end of the fiscal year was extremely critical as the contracting specialists worked to execute the remainder of the 4th FW budget funds received from Air Combat Command, 916th ARW, and Air Force.

"We are very organized," said Senior Airman Andrew Hostetter, 4th CONS contracting specialist. "Typically it comes down to the last minute but this year we were better postured and weren't running around last minute."

The 4th CONS awarded $54 million in infrastructure repair, which was the most ever spent on construction since 1957. Runway construction has also been a hot topic at Seymour Johnson AFB, with $18 million being spent on repairs which will replace more than 50 percent of the runway and 1,206 concrete slabs.

"This year's end of fiscal year execution was by far the smoothest I have seen in my 15 years," said Christian. "It is a testament to the hard work and extremely positive attitudes or our Squadron members to get the mission done."