Installation Acquisition Transformation prepares to streamline contracts, purchasing at MAFB

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Eydie Sakura
  • 341st Missile Wing Public Affairs Office
MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. --  The Air Force's Installation Acquisition Transformation "Road Show" team held a town hall meeting for local businesses and community members July 28 at the Great Falls Civic Center. 

The Air Force is planning and working toward restructuring its stateside installation acquisitions, and implementing new contracting and purchasing procedures in an effort to streamline processes and recapitalize the force. 

"We're going out and visiting all the bases in the [continental United States] to make sure everyone understands what the plan is; what the timeline is; and what the reasons are for the transformation," said Col. Harold Cunningham, 790th Installation Acquisition Group provisional director, from Peterson Air Force Base, Colo. "The goal is to become more efficient so we can save money and apply it to the main priorities of the Air Force so we can execute the mission." 

Currently each installation buys goods and services to operate at a base-level, and the IAT will allow for strategic sourcing on a larger scale. In 2006, Malmstrom had contracts worth nearly $32 million. 

"A little less than half of that money went to Montana businesses," the colonel said. "Of that, 80 percent went to small businesses; this does not include the more than $10 million that was spent in Montana on government purchases cards (credit cards)." 

Lynette Ward, Air Force Small Business Solutions Center deputy director, said the Air Force will continue to put a special emphasis on small businesses throughout the transformation. 

"There are, in some ways, more opportunities for small businesses because we'll be able to provide a clearer picture of what and where the Air Force is spending dollars for things that businesses sell," Ms. Ward said. "There will be more in-depth market analysis, yet we'll still maintain our commitment to small business relationships." 

The complete transformation is scheduled to take three to five years, with the first migration kicking off between fiscal year 2010 and 2012. The contracting functions will be headquartered at Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio, with five Installation Acquisition Groups located by geographic region. The IAG headquarters for Malmstrom will be at Colorado Springs, Colo. 

"We really want some frank and honest feedback [from this 'road show'] from all organizations that will be affected by the transformation," Colonel Cunningham said. "We understand the importance of the mission here and we are committed to ensuring we continue to provide the best possible contracting support to the 341st Missile Wing."