31st CONS receives two USAFE team awards

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Julius Delos Reyes
  • 31st Fighter Wing Public Affairs
AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy --  The 31st Contracting Squadron recently captured two team recognitions as part of the 2010 U.S. Air Forces in Europe Contracting Awards competition.

The 31st CONS received the Outstanding Contracting Award for a small unit while its Plans and Programs Flight received the Special Recognition Award.

"Teamwork provides the synergy needed to guarantee quality contract acquisition support for the 31st Fighter Wing," said Capt. Alfort Belin III, 31st CONS deputy commander. "Each member of our squadron plays a vital role in our team concept as we support every organization on base with commodity, construction, services, government purchase cards and quality assurance. I am ecstatic for the squadron winning the USAFE unit and special team recognition awards; now everyone sees our team as I always have, as winners."

During 2010, the 31st CONS conducted 14,000 procurement actions worth approximately $42 million and supported 26 geographically separated units in six inspections. The squadron managed an infrastructure portfolio worth $65 million and orchestrated a 10-year plan for airfield maintenance and marking plan worth $6.8 million. The team also spearheaded USAFE's first $1.2 million geothermal heating upgrade for the Dragon Fitness Center.

Moreover, the 31st CONS awarded 26 projects valued at $8.4 million under the Construction Straddle Program and directed $1.5 million for the wing sustainment program, expediting 89 priority building upgrades. The 31st CONS also managed a dormitory renovation project worth $3.3 million, ensuring energy efficiency.

"Teamwork is what we do," said Master Sgt. Christopher Soares, 31st CONS first sergeant. "The 31st CONS creates enduring business partnerships, employing more than 1,300 international contractors who are intricately weaved into the fabric of Team Aviano and its supported units. Though we may be small, our business advisors have proven their talent and ability to build teams."

For the 31st CONS Plans and Programs Flight, the team was recognized for processing 251 Single Purchase Increase Limit requirements within 24 hours and partnering with the Air Force Office of Special Investigations in diagnosing 57 invoice discrepancies. The team also led a $3 million medical shipment consolidation and streamlined a local government purchase card tax exemption that saved 2,000 administrative and travel hours.

"Every year, the men and women of the 31st CONS continue to impress me." Sergeant Soares said. "Our military and their families deal with deployments practically every year for six months or more. Every single one of them has been highly praised for their efforts downrange. Our Italian workforce proved yet again their superior ability to sustain operations through every inspection, event and end of fiscal year. These awards capture only a fraction of what 31st CONS is made of."