SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- A team effort by the 82nd Contracting Squadron, the 82nd Comptroller Squadron and squadron resource advisors enabled the wing to award about $8.3 million in technical training transformation contracts in just three business days.
2nd Air Force approved the projects Jan. 18, and worked with Air Education and Training Command to transfer the funds under Continuing Resolution guidelines the next day. By close of business Jan. 22, all the funds had been contracted.
“This is a testament to the teamwork between the Comptroller Squadron, the Contracting Squadron and the squadron resource advisors,” said 82 CPTS Commander Lt. Col. Joshua Rittenhouse. “If any one of those pieces fails, then the process fails, and our mission suffers.”
The funds will support a variety of projects across the wing’s 10 training squadrons, as well as the 82nd Training Support Squadron. They include virtual and augmented reality training platforms and software, a tractor-trailer driving simulator, and a prime resin 3D printer for producing training devices.
“Sheppard has a great legacy when it comes to quickly receiving and executing funds,” said Carrie Martin, Director of Business Operations with the 82nd Contracting Squadron. “We are constantly working with the squadron RAs and the Comptroller Squadron to make sure our projects are complete, correct and ready to go. That’s critical, because the more efficient and effective we are at executing funds, the more we are likely to receive.”
This achievement comes in the wake of an extremely successful fiscal year in 2023, in which Team Sheppard received and executed $266 million – 18 percent more than any previous year, according to Martin. The team’s ability to quickly execute funds was illustrated on the last day of that year, when $2.3 million was dropped to the wing in the afternoon of Sept. 30, and every dime was obligated that evening.