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    DLA working to create contracting officers ready for rapid deployment

    FORT BELVOIR, VA, UNITED STATES

    02.24.2015

    Story by Kathleen Rhem 

    Defense Logistics Agency   

    FORT BELVOIR, Va. - Defense Logistics Agency organizations are working together to create a pool of contingency contracting officers who are ready to deploy on short notice.

    Officials in the Joint Contingency Acquisition Support Office, part of DLA Logistics Operations, are working with DLA Human Resources Services to build a standing Contingency Contracting Officer Cadre. They are seeking agency employees who are qualified in series 1102, contracting, and are in the GS-12, -13 and -14 pay grades to volunteer for consideration as a member of the cadre.

    “In this role, you would serve as a Contract Specialist supporting disaster or contingency operations,” wrote Brianna Walker, a lead human resources specialist in DLA Human Resources Services, in a memo seeking qualified volunteers from the target workforce.

    “This is not only an opportunity to make a difference in supporting our customers in theater, but also a rare professional and leadership development opportunity for aspiring leaders in the agency,” she continued.

    Walker said that contingency contracting deployments can be physically and mentally demanding, but also rewarding professional experiences. Potential deployers will receive necessary training and equipment before any missions, she added.

    Andre Batson, a procurement analyst in JCASO, said members of the Contingency Contracting Officer Cadre would receive contingency contracting instruction, participate in training exercises, and broaden their breadth of knowledge and experience.

    “CCOs would ultimately augment the agency’s ability to respond to contingency requirements, natural disasters or other designated emergencies,” he said. “They’ll have the opportunity to provide great assistance to others and also make themselves more well-rounded and marketable contracting professionals.”

    He pointed to the recent Operation United Assistance, the mission to support medical professionals responding to the Ebola outbreak in western Africa, as an example of the type of mission DLA contingency contracting officers support.

    Hurricane Sandy, which struck the northeastern U.S. coast in October 2012, is another example.

    “The agency provided great relief to other government agencies and northeastern U.S. citizens affected by this disaster,” Batson said.

    JCASO leaders stressed that the pool of CCOs won’t be created in a vacuum, but in close coordination with local leaders at all levels.

    “Through partnership and collaboration with the supply chains and with supervisors across the DLA enterprise, DLA CCOs will be positioned and trained to react quickly to providing contingency contracting support for humanitarian assistance, disaster relief efforts and contingency operations," JCASO Deputy Executive Director David Koch said.

    DLA employees who meet the job series and pay grade requirements can apply for consideration until March 5 via the federal USA Jobs website at: https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/390096300.

    Candidates will be reviewed and selected by JCASO officials, Walker wrote in her message to qualified DLA team members. She added that selectees will remain in their current DLA positions but be available to activate into this role within 72 hours of a declared disaster or contingency.

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    NEWS INFO

    Date Taken: 02.24.2015
    Date Posted: 02.24.2015 09:13
    Story ID: 155227
    Location: FORT BELVOIR, VA, US

    Web Views: 274
    Downloads: 0

    PUBLIC DOMAIN