Master negotiators maximize resources, strengthen EAFB mission

Senior Airman Robert Ocampo, 28th Contracting Squadron contract administrator, reviews contractual agreements at the 28th CONS office at Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D., Jan. 22, 2015. Contract administrators review all contracts to ensure they comply with established guidelines prior to approval. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Anania Tekurio/Released)

Master negotiators maximize resources, strengthen EAFB mission

Senior Airman Robert Ocampo, 28th Contracting Squadron contract administrator, conducts product inventory at the 28th CONS office at Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D., Jan. 22, 2015. For fiscal year 2014, the 28th CONS completed 500 contracting actions valued at over $32 million and was recognized as Air Combat Command’s “2014 Air Force Productivity Excellence Award” nominee. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Anania Tekurio/Released)

Master negotiators maximize resources, strengthen EAFB mission

Published Feb. 13, 2015
By Senior Airman Anania Tekurio
28th Bomb Wing Public Affairs

ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. -- The Air Force takes its use of taxpayer money very seriously and that is why Ellsworth depends on Airmen from the 28th Contracting Squadron to make every effort to maximize resources.

Adhering to strict standards and practices help 28th CONS specialists maintain the highest level of scrutiny when awarding any contract. They invest time and effort to administer contracting functions for commodities, services and construction via approved negotiating methods.

"As contracting specialists, we are tasked to buy equipment, supplies, services and construction to support base activities," said Senior Airman Robert Ocampo, 28th CONS contract administrator. "To ensure we attain those things within our given budget we spend time analyzing prices and using our master negotiating skills before preparing an order or contract."

In addition to acquiring equipment and services for the base, contract specialists advise government and contractor personnel on issues such as ensuring compliance with insurance and tax requirements and providing contingency contracting support at state-side or deployed locations in support of joint U.S. and allied forces.

"My job has taught me the importance of contracts and how critical they are to mission success," said Ocampo. "From doing market research and obtaining data on marketing trends, supply sources and trade information, I've learned that all the little details matter in order for services to be administered and buildings to be built."

Ocampo added that being a contracting specialist requires knowledge of pricing techniques, supply sources and U.S. or foreign commercial transactions. This enables Airmen to be good stewards of Air Force funds -- down to the very penny.

"Everything you see on this base - from the buildings to the computers, and even down to the writing pens, had to be run through us before they could be ordered ...," said Master Sgt. Steven Krach, 28th CONS services and commodities flight NCO in-charge. "Providing our Airmen with all the tools and services they need to do their job to the best of their ability is our main focus."