News

Warhawk contracting squadron named best in Air Force

  • Published
  • By Drew Nystrom
  • 55th Wing Public Affairs
The 55th Contracting Squadron was recently recognized as the best in the service when it earned the Outstanding Operational Contracting Unit Award (Large) for 2017.

The 55th CONS, the largest contracting squadron in Air Combat Command, provides contracting support to the entirety of Team Offutt including the 55th Wing, U.S. Strategic Command, the 557th Weather Wing, the 595th Command and Control Group, and all other base partner units.

The squadron executed nearly 2,000 actions last fiscal year valued in excess of $364 million.

“I couldn’t be more proud of our team,” U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Hayes Weidman, 55th CONS commander, said. “Our Airmen execute one of the most challenging and diverse contracting missions in the entire Air Force, and they’re successful because of their professionalism and dedication. All of our Airmen, both active-duty and civilian, are invested in supporting and enabling global information dominance.”

The breadth of the squadron’s responsibility means it has a direct impact on the accomplishment of every one of the diverse missions originating out of Offutt.

Among its accomplishments, the 55th CONS vital base operating support contracts enabled more than 11,000 intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance sorties. It awarded more than 20 contracts, valued at $9 million, for temporary roof repairs in less than 5 days after a tornado struck the base, and awarded contracts for permanent fixes in 30 days versus a 75-day standard.

Additionally, it steered more than $355 million through nearly 2,000 actions to small businesses and managed ACC’s largest government purchase card program while driving down typical approval times to 11 days versus the 30-day standard.

“This award is a testament to the hard work and professionalism of the 55th CONS team,” Senior Master Sgt. Jeremy Swistak, 55th CONS superintendent, said. “This success is result of remarkable team work, and while the recognition is appreciated, the greatest satisfaction comes from knowing we’re providing agile contracting support to the warfighter and making a positive difference across all of the missions here on Offutt.”