Piece of the Fight: In the fine print

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. David Dobrydney
  • 319th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
GRAND FORKS AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. --  Contracts. We find them almost everywhere in modern life. Generally people don't pay much attention to what's actually in a contract.

For the Airmen of the 319th Contracting Flight, however, knowing what's in a contract can have a big impact on the Air Force mission.

"We are more than just another unit," said Staff Sgt. Daniel Cary, 319th CONF contract specialist.

"We are a force multiplier. By having the ability to utilize money as a weapon we can help other units accomplish more of their mission with less people."

The 319th CONF arranges for the purchase of commodities, services, and construction that supports the 319th Air Base Wing and its tenants.

Just a few of the things contracted for purchase are emergency propane during the winter, security camera systems and software to support operations at the 69th Reconnaissance Group.

The 319th CONF oversees service contracts such as garbage collection and recycling, even the 30-member fire department at Cavalier Air Force Station, N.D., approximately 80 miles northwest of Grand Forks AFB.

"All this work allows units to operate and train stateside to complete their missions here and overseas," Cary said, adding that the support the 319th CONF provides to the 69th RG as well as Cavalier AFS directly impacts deployed and worldwide operations.

In addition to administrating contracts for day-to-day operations, the flight members are also contingency contracting officers.

"If an emergency happens like a hurricane, earthquake, flood or tornado, we are ready and able to help purchase those goods, services, and construction to help fix the damage and get people back to living," said Cary.

"We do all these same tasks downrange, providing sound business judgment on the best way for our customers to utilize their resources."

Senior Airman Garrett Murray is a 319th CONF member experiencing that impact first hand as he is currently deployed.

"As a contracting officer I am responsible for the spending of the government's funds, the more money that is spent wisely and accurately, the more money is saved and in return more things can be purchased," he said.

Murray added that while he primarily works on several smaller purchases at his deployed location compared to the few bigger contract he managed here, attention to detail remains paramount.

"I have to really manage my time and be well organized to be successful doing this," he said.

In a time of increased budget changes and constraints, the Airmen of the 319th Contracting Flight continue to ensure that the best services and products are available when service members need them most.