Is Your Unit Prepared for End of Year? Published May 24, 2011 By Lt. Col. Marty Baugh 45th CONS/CC Patrick AFB, Fla. -- Your local comptroller Mr. Moneybags (aka, Major Marshall), says "Hey Sir, the wing commander just allocated your unit $250,000. You can now execute the procurement for that system furniture you had on your unit's unfunded list. I'm sure you've done the planning so you are ready to execute, right? " Don¹t be 'that squadron' who has not prepared their end of fiscal year (EOY) contract requirements. Be prepared! So, what are the keys to a successful EOY execution for your unit? First, know your Contracting Squadron (CONS) POC and communicate your requirements to CONS so we can help you meet the cut off dates established by CONS & FM. The EOY cut off dates letter was recently released on May 3 to base units and CONS/FM customers and includes the appropriate CONS POCs (call CONS at 4-6871 if you need a copy). All cut off dates were established based on type of procurement and value. Knowing your POC and determining the proper way to get your requirement fulfilled will be time well spent. Do your research. Conduct market research to determine sources available to provide your requirement. You may find your requirement is available commercially and significantly cheaper (or more expensive) than you thought. If it is a commonly used item in the Air Force, you may find your requirement can be ordered from another Air Force or DoD contract. Communicate with your resource advisor (RA). Your RA is your primary interface with FM. He or she will assist you with your unfunded package and will make sure it gets considered during EOY funding drills. Lastly, ensure you provide a complete acquisition package. You don't want to get a snow blower when you need a 5000 BTU air conditioner. A complete package includes your funding document, to include planning purchase requests, requirement description, ozone depleting statement, green procurement waiver, and other information identified by your Contracting POC. Having the complete acquisition package will help the process go smoothly and prevent surprises after your contract is awarded. And, a well-planned and timely acquisition package will ensure you are postured to receive any fall out dollars at EOY. Let's team together to develop an effective game plan to ensure EOY success!