Air Force contracting support: operation IRAQI freedom - Policy and Legislation - Brief Article

Program Manager, May-June, 2003

Charlie E. Williams Jr., Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Air Force (Contracting) and Assistant Secretary (Acquisition), issued a memorandum on March 21, 2003, directing all members of the Air Force contracting community to "lean way forward" and proactively plan for known and anticipated customer needs during OPERATION IRAQI FREEDOM. To that end, he directed them to use all available techniques to provide rapid and responsive support to meet warriors' needs such as oral solicitations, "Unusual and Compelling Urgency" exceptions to the Competition in Contracting Act of 1984, letter contracts, and undefinitized contractual actions. "Put the necessary contract vehicles and supporting documents in place as soon as possible," Williams said. "We must create solutions, around the globe, providing our customers with the rapid, agile combat support needed to help ensure victory."

Points of contact for the OPERATION IRAQI FREEDOM policy are Dave Powell, DSN 425-7062, Commercial (703) 588-7062, david.powell@pentagon.af.mil; and Air Force Lt. Col. Al Boykin, DSN 425-7073, Commercial (703) 588-7073, al.boykin@pentagon.af.mil.