Small but mighty: 92nd CONS supports the fight Published Sept. 9, 2009 By 92nd Contracting Squadron FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. -- "Small but Mighty," this is the 92nd Contracting Squadron, yet many personnel do not understand its mission. We in CONS are contract specialists and contracting officers acquiring and supporting warfighter capabilities through responsive business solutions, carrying out the mission relentlessly every day. Personnel in contracting who hold a warrant, as authorized by Congress, are the only individuals authorized to financially obligate the federal government. Therefore, without contracting, there would be no front gate or weapons to provide security, no uniforms, no doctors or medical supplies to care for the sick, no office equipment or room furnishings, and no tools or airplanes to fly. A quote from an anonymous individual sums up the importance of contracting, "Without the buyer, pilots would make propeller sounds with their arms extended, civil engineers would build structures out of dirt and rain water, and design, administrative and support services would not exist. Contracting officers - true assets of war!" The 92nd CONS provides service through three flights: Goods and Services, Construction, and Plans and Programs which oversees the Government Purchase Card program. Each flight works hard each and every day ensuring that your needs for supplies are filled, buildings are maintained or renovated, and every service necessary to make this base function (e.g. refuse removal, custodial service, or transient aircraft service) are accomplished to meet the mission's needs. As the end of the fiscal year nears, military manning within the squadron will dwindle to less than 40 percent due to the manning strain, PCS's (without backfill), deployments, and retirement. Not only are the military personnel tasked with a heavy workload, they are subject to continuous TDY's, a 1:1 deployment dwell schedule, additional duties to include those outside the squadron, and endless upgrade training. Yet 92nd CONS miraculously accomplishes all that is necessary to continue the mission. Much of the success is due to the tireless efforts of the DoD civilians that are the constant source of support for the Wing. Additionally, the civilians provide the vital training that is necessary for deploying military to get the mission done. 92nd CONS has the reputation in Air Mobility Command as one of the first bases to comply with AMC tasks and deadlines for submission of facility projects. This hard work is beneficial for Fairchild as the effort brings attention to our base when AMC officials are considering who can get the job done and who rightfully deserves procurement priority. This high confidence increases the likelihood of improvements to the quality of life and mission enhancement. Many of the projects at Fairchild are funded on the last day and in the final hours just prior to the end of fiscal year. Historically, many squadrons do most of their spending during the end of the fiscal year. During this time, military and civilians are at their all-time busiest. Engrossed day and night, 92nd CONS works relentlessly at fulfilling obligations prior to the Sept. 30 deadline. Additionally, Christmas is coming twice this year due to the signing of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, better known as the Economic Stimulus Plan. A large amount of additional money is being given to AMC, and Fairchild was asked to spend some of this on construction projects. The stimulus money will benefit the mission at Fairchild by improving the airfield, fixing many roads on base, and provided vital water main repairs. This spending will help improve the economy by allowing many local businesses the opportunity to bid and employ citizens from the local Spokane area during this economic slump. The men and women of 92nd CONS are team players and are here to ensure the success of your missions so that we may fly, fight, and win! The same can be said while deployed. The fight and the mission do not change for contracting; it intensifies. The workload and challenges to procure construction, goods, and services to support the mission is endless. Home station and deployed, we continue to work and train to ensure that our team is prepared to support the mission anywhere.