Support agencies identified for A-76

  • Published
  • By Dan Roberts
  • 82nd Training Wing Competitive Sourcing Office
SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE --  Brigadier General Richard T. Devereaux, 82nd Training Wing commander, in conjunction with Air Education and Training Command, has announced selected base operating support functions for an A-76 Cost Comparison study. 

The study will encompass 508 civilian and military billets spread through out civil engineering, communications, trainer development, instructional training unit and the fitness center. The local congressional delegation, local government and union leadership were notified yesterday afternoon. 

The history of the A-76 program dates back to the 1960s and has been used by the federal government to determine the best use of dollars to deliver essential support services. In the case of the 82nd TRW, after a lengthy preliminary planning process, functions across base were identified for possible cost comparison and, in June of 2004, a recommendation was made by then 82nd TRW Commander Brig. Gen. James A. Whitmore to Headquarters AETC and the Air Staff to conduct a standard cost comparison study. 

There are a number of steps to perform an A-76 study and employee participation is critical to the A-76 process. Therefore, two teams composed of personnel from 82nd TRW are being assembled to develop key products for the study. 

One team will develop a requirements document called the Performance Work Statement defining those services to be competed. 

Another team, the Most Efficient Organization, will develop the government's proposal to deliver those services. It is the MEO that will eventually be compared to a private sector bid to determine which proposal - in-house or contract - is more cost effective for the government. 

The A-76 process is a means for the Air Force to become more efficient. Successful conclusion of an A-76 saves money without reducing quality or quantity of services. Some people incorrectly believe the results of this study are a "foregone conclusion;" that MEOs don't have a chance at winning. In actuality, in A-76 studies over the past five years, MEOs have won the majority of the competitions.