History of the 97th Contracting Squadron prior to 1991 is not available; however, there has been a procurement function at Altus Air Force Base since the reopening of the base in 1953 under the Tactical Air Command. The squadron and the base later became a part of the Strategic Air Command; in July 1968, the Military Airlift Command assumed command of all related airlift units.
Prior to its activation, the 97th Contracting Squadron was the base procurement office until April 1985 when it relocated under the Deputy Commander for Resource Management. In 1990, the unit was renamed the Operations Contracting Division.
In early 1991, the unit transferred from the 443rd Military Airlift Wing Resource Management and aligned under the 443rd Supply Squadron. Later that year, it became the 443rd Contracting Squadron and realigned under the 443rd Logistics Group.
In June 1992, the base came under the Air Mobility Command. In October 1992, the 443rd Contracting Squadron was inactivated and the 97th Contracting Squadron stood up and became part of the 97th Logistics Group.
In July 1993, all units on base again changed command, this time to the Air Education and Training Command.
In August 2002, 97th Logistics Group deactivated and the squadron moved to the 97th Mission Support Group.
In June 2014, the Squadron redesignated as the 97th Contracting Flight and remained assigned to the 97th Mission Support Group.
In August 2021, the Wing CC redesignated the 97th Contracting Flight to the 97th Contracting Squadron.
The squadron, comprised 35 Mission-Focused Business Leaders, serves as the key business leader to the Wing Commander and staff for acquisitions and contracting. Additionally, the Squadron manages and oversees the small business program, the quality assurance program, and the Government Purchase Card Program for the base. Total annual contracting obligations is about $31 million, with a service and construction contract portfolio of $139M.
Base Support Flight:
This flight provides for the acquisition of supplies and equipment for Base support requirements to include the Base Telecommunications Service, IT equipment, Medical service contract support, and other training, maintenance, and mission support requirements. It negotiations and administers all non-infrastructure service contracts for a $36M portfolio.
Infrastructure Flight:
This Flight provides for the acquisition of supplies, equipment, and a service infrastructure requirements to include, Grounds Maintenance, Custodial Services, and Integrated Solid Waste Management. The total services infrastructure portfolio is valued at $24M.
Construction Flight:
This Flight negotiates architect-engineer design contracts as well as purchases and administers construction contracts for alterations, maintenance, and repair of real property. This flight utilizes the Simplified Acquisition of Base Engineer Requirements and Multiple Award Construction Contract for a total contract portfolio value of $79M
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. Historically, the squadron 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, and 2013.
(Current as of October 2021)