82nd CONS wins Special Achievement Award for small business team

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Tonnette Thompson
  • 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs
SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  The 82nd Contracting Squadron recently racked up another award, this time at Air Force-level; the Special Achievement Award for Small Business, small team category.

The efforts of 82nd CONS's RoseMarie Fidelie, Cecilia Murray, James Beeson, Senior Airman Joshua Irwin and Senior Airman Kevin Garrison, working on behalf of the 82nd Medical Group, have led to several complex hospital service contracts, contributing $30.5 million to small businesses.

"The goal was to allow smaller businesses to step into the void left by those military hospital workers who are deployed, so those here at Sheppard can still receive adequate and complete medical services," said Tandy Weaver, director of business operations and wing small business specialist.

"We prefer to work with smaller businesses because it benefits the Wichita Falls area to give these jobs to people in disadvantaged areas, people whose businesses are struggling," said Ms. Murray, who focused on contracts for medical providers and administrative clerks.

Among the accomplishments of this award-winning team was the creation of the Nurse Advice Line. Instead of using the time and manpower necessary for a usual appointment, customers now have the option of immediate, over-the-phone counsel from registered nurses concerning minor medical maladies, saving the 82nd MDG an estimated $1.2 million in costs.

Though it is the first team win for 82nd CONS, it's hardly the first time the squadron's been recognized for its work. They have won many small business awards, three at command level, and a best unit award for 2003.

"This is just the first we've won at the Sec-AF level," said Ms. Weaver, referring to the Secretary of the Air Force's role in choosing the 82nd CONS for the award.