SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. -- Inside a brick building contractors hold a steady gaze on their computers as they search for local businesses to contract out. The 20th Contracting Squadron’s, commitment to helping the local community around Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina, is evident through their diligent work.
The 20th CONS was recognized by the South Carolina Small Business District Office as the 2020 South Carolina Federal Procurement Agency of the Year for their contributions to the local community.
Numerous federal agencies in of South Carolina compete for the award, such as Army and Air Force units, Department of Homeland Security, General Services Administration, Veterans Affairs and others.
“In order to win the South Carolina Federal Procurement Agency Award, it takes a committed and sustained effort to increase our economic impact with small businesses,” said Maj. Titus Butler, 20th CONS commander. “Our mission-focused business leaders prepared the base to resume operations by purchasing 35,000 masks, 428 gallons of hand sanitizer, and 12 pallets of hand wipes.”
The 20th CONS mission statement is to provide world-class contracting support to the 20th Fighter Wing and tenant units to enable efficient and effective mission and installation operations.
“Through our partnerships with local businesses we built the structures to support the MQ-9 Reaper pilots to be able to operate on this base,” said Randy May, 20th CONS director of small business operations and small business operations support specialist. “Our other major contracts assist the 20th Force Support Squadron and the 20th Civil Engineer Squadron by providing them with contracted partnerships to achieve their missions and keep our Airmen on smooth running operations.”
Historically, the 20th CONS team awards roughly 90 percent of funds available for contracts to local small businesses. This is about $85-90 million dollars generated into the surrounding community of Shaw AFB. This year, 20th CONS continues that tradition and awarded $100 million dollars in contracts to local businesses.
“It’s incredibly important that successes like this are shared and highlighted. My business leaders, like all other Airmen are motivated when they see the fruits of their labor,” said Butler. “Being a valued part of a high performing team is embedded in 20th CONS culture, but all leaders should give credit where credit is due. It’s nice to know that all the work that went into this award was worth it.”