AFDW Contracting enables NCR missions

Published Nov. 20, 2014
By Staff Sgt. Matt Davis
Air Force District of Washington Public Affairs

JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md. -- When Airmen across the National Capital Region need to quickly procure equipment, bulk supplies or advisory and technical services, they turn to the Air Force District of Washington Contracting Directorate.

These military, civilian and contractor specialists negotiate and manage contracts to ensure each unit's unique mission requirements are met.

"The AFDW Contracting Directorate is a specialized activity supporting the most senior Air Force leaders and their staffs as well as other Air Force activities in the NCR and beyond," said Col. Ed Keller, director of contracting for AFDW.

Ensuring the satisfaction of every contracting customer is a priority, said Keller.
"This requires an intense interest and understanding of our customer's mission requirements and a heightened commitment to ensuring that the right sources are found to fulfill what are often 'no-fail' missions," said Keller.

Contracting is a force multiplier because it provides the support necessary to achieve mission objectives, said Keller. The support given can range from procuring supplies and equipment to more complex projects such as technical and advisory services and conference support for headquarters Air Force and Secretary of the Air Force activities.

In the event of a crisis or contingency in the NCR, the Contracting Directorate serves a special role.

"AFDW's primary mission is contingency response. If a disaster occurs, our team serves as the Senior Contracting Official for the NCR," said Keller. "It's a job we hope we are never called to perform, but this is a mission we're prepared to execute at a moment's notice."

The AFDW Contracting Directorate was recently recognized for its expertise in obtaining capability to allow senior leaders to securely communicate while travelling abroad.

"It feels great to be recognized, to see your efforts don't go unnoticed, it feels even better to see that the whole team is recognized as I didn't do this alone," said Master Sgt. Paul Schiele, AFDW contracting NCOIC. "It's unique that here in AFDW our support reaches out strategically across the entire Air Force."

The Airmen and civilians who are part of the contracting office are responsible for managing more a $10.6 billion portfolio and annually awards contracts totaling approximately $250 million.

The AFDW contracting team takes great strides in ensuring the satisfaction of its customer base, said Maj. Gen. Darryl Burke, AFDW commander.

"Our contracting shop has begun engaging with our senior customers in a number of new ways," said Burke. "This team is working hard to get their arms solidly around their workload. These contracting specialists have been reviewing all senior leader contacts and have launched a support program to ensure our customers are satisfied. This is a massive job."

It's a special and unique opportunity, said Schiele.

"The nature of our customer base brings along many challenges and stressors, but also many rewards knowing the impact of mission success," he said.