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By Maj.  Casey Walterscheid

19th Contracting Squadron commander

For Airmen of the 19th Contracting Squadron and the 19th Comptroller Squadron, October is a new year – marking the end of September’s crunch time. During which, 19 CONS and 19 CPTS, in concert with the numerous squadron, group and wing resource advisors across Team Little Rock feverishly completed their work to ensure proper execution of each budget on base. 

The month of September is the Federal equivalent of Black Friday. 19th CONS obligated a total of 42.5 million dollars in Fiscal Year 2017; nearly one third of those obligations came in the month of September alone. As our Air Force gets smaller and more efficient, contracted team members provide us with key support to ensure Airmen can focus on other aspects of the mission. Through service contracts, the 19th Medical Group was supplemented with 51 additional healthcare providers, increasing capacity by 53 percent. Construction contracts allowed for much needed improvement in Child Development Center and Youth Center facilities. Additionally, upgrades to the existing base entry guardhouses increased the safety and security of 19th Security Forces Squadron personnel as they defend the base. Whether it’s purchasing a new line of fitness equipment for the base fitness center or funding and signing services contracts for the seemingly unending line of road construction on Arnold and Chief Williams Drives, the 19th Airlift Wing’s two smallest squadrons make their impact known across Little Rock AFB and the local community – especially in September.

The impact to our community partners is significant, as well. This past year, 19th CONS awarded contracts totaling $8.2 million to employ companies located in Arkansas. $23.8 million were signed on contracts with corporations performing services in the state of Arkansas. This federal funding feeds directly back into the local area.

As with January’s New Year, the Fiscal New Year brings with it a proverbial reset button and a time of reflection as we move forward into Fiscal Year 2018. The next time September rolls around, recognize your contracted partners for their contributions to national defense and local commerce alike – and know your 19th CONS and 19th CPTS personnel are driving hard to execute the funding that keeps Combat Airlift on target, anywhere, anytime.