Whiteman Contractors handle the big bucks

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Torey Griffith
  • 509 Bomb Wing Public Affairs
WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. --  As the fiscal year drew to a close Wednesday, the 509th Contracting Squadron scrambled to ensure that Whiteman's work force had the materials needed to complete their tasks. 

"The mission of 509th CONS is to direct and provide support to the 509th Bomb Wing, 131st Fighter Wing, 442nd Fighter Wing and tenant units, ensuring B-2 and A-10 combat capability is available anytime and anywhere," said Janet Judkins, 509th CONS Infrastructure Flight Chief. 

The 509th CONS team, partnered with others such as the 509th Civil Engineer Squadron and 509th Comptroller Squadron, spent more than $38 million this fiscal year, and had a myriad of projects in the works, ranging from a huge dormitory campus upgrade to procuring new smoke detectors for base housing. Some may think the task is simple, to spend someone else's money all day.  But that is not the case. 

In 1970, Brig. Gen. James O. Lindberg, then Director of Procurement Policy wrote, "Prolonged criticism of the military-industry complex, stimulated in part by cost growth in weapon system acquisition programs (cost overruns in the public mind) and charges of shortfalls in contractor performance, has undermined Congressional and public confidence in military procurement." 

Thirty-nine years later, the contracting squadron still faces these obstacles. They must produce the right materials for their customers, while meeting stringent standards set by the Air Force, and undying scrutiny by taxpayers and these challenges are what drive the 509th CONS to pursue excellence. 

"I get excited about being able to execute, and fulfill our customers' needs," said Judkins.