News

Contracting association opens dialog with leadership

  • Published
  • 78th Public Affairs

The Middle Georgia National Contract Management Association Chapter has been reenergizing its acquisition information footprint in the local community.

Recently, the association hosted its May 2017 program which included Robins Complex senior leaders Donna Frazier, 402nd Maintenance Support Group director, and Col. Jason Edelblute, 402nd Electronic Maintenance Group commander.

The May program was facilitated by Mary Nauss, NCMA vice-president.

A list of “prime-the-pump” questions generated open dialogue between the panel members and the audience regarding the Depot’s commitments to the highly successful Art of the Possible initiatives, and direct dialogue concerning perceptions of contracting from a strategic and tactical level in terms of the value its serves to the depot mission.

Frazier said Robins Air Force Base’s depot has been fundamental in implementing Art of the Possible, noting a 40 percent decrease regarding work in process for the Maintenance Acquisition Program Office, led by Jimmy Katsekis, Air Force Materiel Command Acquisition Support Branch chief.

Edelblute discussed how important it is to have senior-level, cross-functionary communication to eliminate barriers by using the AoP with the Air Force Supply Chain, Program Office and Defense Logistics Agency.

These partnerships help ensure that EMXG maintainers receive the parts they need in a timely fashion.

He also said that internal part request data has been better controlled as a result of the AoP implementation.

Frazier said she considered integrity to be the most valuable trait depot leaders found in warranted contracting officers. Edelblute said he looked to contracting officers as the overall acquisition business advisors.

Robins Senior contracting leaders in attendance included Col. Anna Morris, Contracting acting director, Micki Cranford, Systems Support Contracting Division chief and June Nelson, Contracting technical director.

Editor’s note: The NCMA has also teamed up with the Logistics Officer Association. The educational agenda is spearheaded by Porter Smith, Middle Georgia NCMA Education Director. Typically, Middle Georgia NCMA chapter programs are held on the third Wednesday every month. The next program is scheduled for June 21. Smith’s goal is to line up an Intellectual Property, or data rights, discussion.

For questions, comments or information about become a member in the Middle GA NCMA’s Chapter, send an email through the Middle GA NCMA workflow at Nat.ctrmgmt.asoc.MGC@us.af.mil.