AL UDEID AIR BASE, Qatar -- Airmen from the 379th Expeditionary Contracting Squadron like to say that each Airman’s signature is worth at least $1.5 million.
This means, with a simple stroke of the pen, the most junior Airman from the 379th ECONS can coordinate up to $1.5 million in contracts to support missions throughout U.S. Air Forces Central Command’s area of responsibility.
“The 379th Expeditionary Contracting Squadron's mission enables decisive air power and enhances the quality of life for the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing and our mission partners,” said Master Sgt. Ruben Mindieta, 379th ECONS superintendent. “Our Squadron of contingency contracting officers prepare and enable the men and women of the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing to execute their individualized and unique mission sets.”
While deployed to Al Udeid, these enlisted Airmen have the unique responsibility of operating as a contingency contracting officer, a responsibility typically given to commissioned officers in non-deployed locations.
“Each individual here, from Airman 1st Class and up, are all autonomous,” said Staff Sgt. Patrick Clohessy, 379th ECONS contingency contracting officer. “Even as an Airman during a first deployment, your signature goes a long way. With that, you have the ability to do a lot of good.”
Each contracting Airman oversees various contracts ranging in areas of services, commodities, construction and plans and programs.
Senior Airman Stephan Giorgio, 379th ECONS contingency contracting officer, is an example of how contracting Airmen support construction projects. One of Giorgio’s contracts is the building of the North Squadron Complex, where he is responsible for the assembly of four facilities worth more than $3.5 million.
“This project means a lot because it’s my contribution to the mission,” said Giorgio. “It’s something that will be here long after I’m gone that will benefit everyone for years to come from multiple squadrons.”
From coordination to communication, Giorgio’s work ensures the construction is executed smoothly and fosters a positive working relationship between the contractors and the Air Force civil engineers that work with them.
“Senior Airman Giorgio coordinates the funding to get this project done,” said Tech. Sgt. Jesse Gent, 379th Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron construction project manager. “He helps us if we need to make a decision or direct a contractor. He’s there to guide that communication to get this project done.”
Mindieta said that he’s awed by his team’s professionalism and the way they enable Al Udeid’s mission.
“My impression of our contracting team can be simply put as amazed,” said Mindieta. “I am humbled to be working side-by-side with the amazing men and women of the 379th ECONS whom are dedicated contracting professionals focused on supporting and enabling our mission partners.”
Other projects contracting Airmen support include free base Wi-Fi services and the procurement of the dry ice used to properly store blood for medical use throughout U.S. Air Forces Central Command’s area of responsibility.