Air force print news : Hearing highlights Air Force contracting expertise

WASHINGTON -- Air Force contracting expertise, deployed worldwide as part of air and space expeditionary force (AEF) packages, significantly contributes to overall success of the Defense Department missions, the service's top acquisition official said.

Dr. Marvin R. Sambur, assistant secretary of the Air Force for acquisitions, testified June 24 before the House Armed Services Committee subcommittee on readiness. Michael W. Wynne, principal deputy undersecretary of defense for acquisition and technology, led the testimony, He was accompanied by Sambur; John J. Young Jr., assistant secretary of the Navy for research, development and acquisition; and Tina Ballard, deputy assistant secretary of the Army for policy and procurement.

"Air Force contingency contracting expertise is in high demand across the department with our officers leading joint contingency contracting operations in the Balkans, Afghanistan, and Iraq," Sambur said. "The Air Force team has a solid track record in this area, one we can all be proud of."

In 2003, the Air Force sent more than 400 contingency contracting officers to 58 locations worldwide. So far this year, 117 have deployed to 24 locations. Contingency contracting officers deploy as part of AEF packages. Once in place, they hire local nationals to provide warfighters with myriad local supplies and services, Sambur said.

This approach significantly reduces the size, or footprint, of the deployed force because the supplies and services along with the infrastructure to support them, do not have to come along for the ride, he said. Within U.S. Central Command alone, Air Force contingency contracting officers have performed more than 11,000 contracting actions worth more than $120 million through April.

Subcommittee Chairman Rep. Joel Hefley said the focus of the hearing was on the range of services purchased with the $76.2 billion (for services) and the management and oversight of these services.

"Many of the questions the members have today came to light as the use of contractors in Iraq became apparent," Hefley said. "The subcommittee is interested in how the department procures such services, the policy on management and oversight, and whether the department should change some of these policies."

In fiscal 2003, DoD officials procured about $209 billion in equipment, items and services. Of this amount, $90.5 billion was for supplies and equipment, $76.2 billion for services, $33.1 billion for research and development, and $9.2 billion for construction.

The committee focused primarily on the lessons learned from Iraq with respect to the use of contractors on the battlefield. Although the questions were directed toward Wynne and Ballard, Sambur pledged continued support.

"We are committed to work closely with [the secretary of defense's office] and Congress to make whatever corrections are necessary," Sambur said.

Michael Wynne Acting USD(AT&L) Before the House Armed Services Committee-Subcommittee on Readiness (June 24, 2004)

"Why does the department contract for support? Using the support provided by contractors extends the capability of the DoD civilian and military workforce, and it allows the department to focus upon its primary mission of defending the nation and safeguarding our freedom."

"Contracting can enable the department to access technology and capabilities that would have been unavailable, would take an inordinate amount of time to develop internally, or would be prohibitively expensive to develop."

"Accessing commercially available capability makes sense and ensures that we stay ahead of our adversaries."

"Even as we buy smarter, today's acquisition professionals must work harder than ever to manage rising funding requirements, to execute a growing number of contracting actions, and to administer an expanding range and volume of complex acquisitions, including performance-based contracting and services acquisition."

"While the AT&L workforce has been shrinking, we continue to place greater demands on our workforce. To help meet this demand efficiently, we contract for project planning and support as specific needs arise. This is just one example of how the department leverages contractor support to meet mission requirements."

"I want to thank the contractors who support us abroad for their courage under fire ... numerous contractor personnel have died for their country, and we appreciate and remember their ultimate sacrifice."

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