PAKTIKA PROVINCE, Afghanistan - More than 100 Paktika province residents participated in a contracting vendor fair hosted by the Forward Operating Base Sharana Regional Contracting Center at Forward Operating Base Sharana in Afghanistan's Paktika province, April 3.
Experts from the RCC as well as representatives from finance and the base defense unit briefed participants on a variety of subjects including RCC's role in the contract process, contract requirements, best business practices, pay and badge issues and step-by-step instructions on how to submit a proposal.
"Today's event provides local Afghans with information on the process of being eligible for, competing for and performing well on government contracts," said RCC commander, Army Maj. Amanda Flint. "My first six months here, I've seen requirements for contracts grow 25 percent and it doesn't look like it'll end soon. There are a lot of services the base requires to help it operate that come directly from these contractors. "
The RCC at FOB Sharana handles about 600 active contracts from Paktika and the neighboring Ghazni province.
"Today, the Afghans learned how to do business more efficiently with the United States government. This helps them, but it also helps us to get a higher quality product for our warriors on the battlefield, which is always our main goal. Better communication always leads to better performance and today was no different," said Air Force 1st Lt. Branndon Teffeteller, who oversaw the event. "The goal today was to build a better business relationship with the Afghan contractors."
Participants said they appreciated the event.
"I learned a lot of stuff today. If they continue to hold trainings such as this I would try to come to more of them. Everything was great," said Orgun resident, Haji Akbar Jan.