The 97th Contracting Flight awards and manages a $145M portfolio of supply, service, and construction contracts in support of the 97th Air Mobility Wing and Ebbing Air National Guard Base, Fort Smith, Arkansas. In FY24, the 35-member unit executed $76.2M, its third annual record-breaking year. The unit is comprised of three separate and distinct operational elements: Base Support and Infrastructure, Construction, and Plans and Programs. In addition, the 97th Contracting Flight serves as the installation program management office for the 97th Air Mobility Wing’s Government Purchase Card (GPC) Program.
The unit's commitment to quality and excellence earned it the distinction as the Best AETC Small Contracting Unit Awards in 2003, 2005, 2008, 2014 and 2015 and achieving the coveted "Outstanding" Rating for the HQ AETC Inspector General in 2006. The unit has also garnered Air Force Outstanding Unit Awards for the following years: 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1998, 2000, 2004, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2016, 2017, and 2019.
Mission
Supporting operational needs by acquiring critical resources and developing innovative procurement leaders!
Vision
To develop Mission-Focused Business Leaders who embody readiness
and lethality while providing innovative contracting solutions
Base Support and Infrastructure Element
This element provides for the acquisition of supplies and equipment for Base Support and Infrastructure requirements to include the Base Telecommunications Service, Grounds Maintenance, Custodial Services, Integrated Solid Waste Management, IT equipment, medical service contract support, and other training, maintenance, and mission support requirements. It negotiates and administers all service contracts for a $70M portfolio.
Construction Element
This element negotiates architect-engineer design contracts as well as purchases and administers construction contracts for alterations, maintenance, and repair of real property. This element utilizes a Multiple Award Construction Contract for a total contract portfolio value of $82.5M.
Plans and Programs Element
This element provides oversight of contracting systems administration, Government Purchase Card program, quality assurance, and manages the Contracting Officer Warrant Program. The element also supports unit leadership and personnel in the tracking, reporting, and business system processes needed to closeout contracts within the allowed timeframes. Lastly, this element performs special assignments and participates in special projects as the Commander’s discretion.
(Current as of March 2025)