7th Contracting Squadron named Air Force small-business award winner

by 2nd Lt. Nicole Ferrara
7th Bomb Wing Public Affairs

12/17/2012 - DYESS AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- The 7th Contracting Squadron was named the Secretary of the Air Force small-business special achievement award winner Dec. 3.

SAF small-business awards are presented each year to individuals and organizations that exhibited exemplary accomplishments in support of the Air Force Small Business Program.

Between Oct. 1, 2011, and Sept. 30, 2012, the 7th CONS accomplished its mission with a maximum degree of war readiness while still achieving mandated small business goals. The squadron obligated more than 95 percent of contracts to small businesses, spending in excess of $64 million.

"The unit was completely committed to meeting the objective and vision of the Secretary of the Air Force Small Business Program by nurturing strong relationships with community leaders, counterparts and base employees to facilitate better networking," said Maj. Kenric Phillips, 7th Contracting Squadron commander.

"Working with small businesses to accrue assets for Dyess is a win-win for the base and the community, and we are incredibly grateful for the continued support provided by the business owners of Abilene," he said.

The 7th CONS conducted four outreach events to meet personally with small business owners, including an In-Reach Luncheon, which many leaders from the local Abilene community attended. In addition, the squadron continuously trained local buyers in the base contracting office, thereby increasing the proficiency of the CONS small-business program.

"We proactively sought to identify opportunities for small businesses early by working with the Small Business Development Center and Small Business Association," said Ron Miller, 7th Contracting Squadron director of business operations.

On Dec. 17, a ceremony to honor award winners was held in conjunction with the Fiscal Year 2012 Air Force Small Business Meeting at Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio.