SAN ANTONIO - Twenty-five military and civilian personnel of the Army’s 410th Contracting Support Brigade recently participated in a field tour at the Defense Contract Management Agency Aircraft Propulsion Operations Kelly office here.
DCMA APO Kelly leadership and staff provided an overview of the agency’s structure, processes and mission. They also spoke about DCMA’s role as information brokers and in-plant representatives for military, federal and allied government-buying agencies during the initial stages of the acquisition cycle and throughout the life of the resulting contracts.
The tour showcased the many capabilities of the DCMA APO Kelly office to 410th personnel.
“We have a deeper appreciation for the vital role DCMA plays in ensuring government supplies and services are delivered on time, at projected cost and in compliance with the terms and conditions of the contract,” said Army Col. William Sanders, 410th CSB commander. “Our members learned useful best practices regarding contract administration and acquired helpful information that can be applied in contingency environments.”
During fiscal year 2012, four brigade quality assurance specialist interns rotated for two 10-week sessions at the DCMA APO Kelly, DCMA Aircraft Integrated Maintenance Operations Kelly and DCMA Dallas offices in San Antonio.
“Teaming with the Army’s 410th CSB provided the opportunity for them to see first-hand how DCMA provides support to the Department of Defense and Contingency Contracting Administration Services,” said Bob Lindberg, DCMA APO Kelly director.
Air Force Lt. Col. Heather Hanks, DCMA AIMO Kelly commander, added, “It also enabled their personnel to achieve a better understanding of the significance strong contract administration and quality assurance/surveillance play in supporting warfighters and ensuring good stewardship of taxpayer dollars.”
DCMA personnel, who were involved with the teaming effort, received 410th CSB commander coins.
“I really appreciate the hard work our DCMA teammates provide to our soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines and civilians on a daily basis,” said Sanders, who is a former DCMA St. Petersburg commander. “The rotations afforded our interns training and mentoring by the premier contract administration offices in DOD. These experiences will enhance our capability in the contingency environment."