39th CONS takes multiple USAFE awards

  • Published
  • By Airman Cory W. Bush
  • 39th Air Bae Wing Public Affairs
INCIRLIK AIR BASE, Turkey --  Each year, the 39th Contracting Squadron works behind the scenes negotiating contracts for Incirlik Air Base, but recently these Airmen were highlighted for their dedicated work.

On Dec. 10, 2014, five 39th CONS Airmen and government service members won several United States Air Forces in Europe and Air Forces Africa contracting awards for their outstanding work in the fiscal year 2014 for providing contract management leadership, sound business strategies and innovative acquisition solutions to experts from across the 39th Air Base Wing.

"I am very proud of the accomplishments of the men and women of the 39th CONS for receiving six of ten awards," said Maj. Bennet Burton, 39th CONS commander, winner of 2014 USAFE Outstanding Contracting Officer Award. "These awards are a true testament of the hard work and dedication put forth each and every day."
The 39th CONS have strict principles and practices they must follow before presenting any contract. This is a critical position in the Air Force that is essential to completing our mission.

"As contracting specialists we are entrusted to be good stewards of the money we are responsible for to execute contracts," said Tech. Sgt. Nicholas Northam, 39th CONS NCO in charge of base infrastructure, winner of the 2014 USAFE Outstanding Contracting Enlisted Member Award. "It's important to be fair and reasonable in the best interest of the government and its needs."

In addition to ensuring every penny counts for Incirlik AB, the 39th CONS maintains management for $550 million portfolio of mission-essential and quality of life services, while sustaining $4.1 billion in real property, 467 buildings, 900 military family housing units and three geographically-separated units.

"There are many major base infrastructure contracts between the U.S. Air Force and the Turkish air force," said Burton. "These contracts are key to our presence here in Turkey. Without them we wouldn't be able to support our mission in sustaining and enhancing regional stability."

According to Northam, at the end of the day these five Airmen and government service members would not have been highlighted if it was not for the consistent training and for the help from their fellow Airmen.

"Me and the other recipients in the office are very thankful and appreciative to have been selected for these awards," said Northam. "We constantly train to be prepared for all scenarios and take every situation as a training opportunity because no two contracts are the same. They're several hands and eyes put on every contract. It's a team effort."

Along with the five individual effort awards won, the 39th CONS also won a team award.The Base Infrastructure Flight was presented the USAFE Outstanding Pricing Team Award, for their exceptional team effort.

The complete list of the 2014 USAFE award winners is listed below.

Maj. Bennet Burton - Outstanding Contracting Officer Award

Master Sgt. Richard Sainte-Rose -Outstanding Contingency Contracting Award (Staff Sgt. Ronald L. King Award)

Tech. Sgt. Nicholas Northam - Outstanding Contracting Enlisted Member Award

Mr. Kurt McKay - Outstanding Contracting Civilian Award

Ms. Zeynep Kis - Professional Courage Award

Base Infrastructure Flight - Outstanding Pricing