Buckley undergoes A-76 comparison study Published July 18, 2008 By Mr. John Spann 460th Space Wing Public Affairs BUCKLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- Col. Wayne McGee, 460th Space Wing commander, announced during a town hall meeting July 17, the wing's 460th Civil Engineer Squadron will undergo an A-76 Cost Comparison study during the next 18 months, which will be led by Col. Vince Jefferson, 460th Mission Support Group commander. The federal government uses A-76 studies to determine the most cost-effective way to deliver essential support services to an organization. The study will encompass 117 civilian and military positions spread throughout the engineering squadron. Of that number, there are seven officers, 42 enlisted and 68 civilian billets being considered. None of the contracted positions within the squadron are being considered. Not all authorizations within the squadron will be part of the study. The 460th CES services include the primary mission of developing, constructing, operating and sustaining the infrastructure and facilities of the base through execution of installation engineering, environmental leadership, housing excellence, responsive emergency services and providing expeditionary engineering to the wing, combatant commanders and the nation. Colonel McGee praised the civil engineer work force for what they do at the base and commended them for their efforts in building up the fastest growing base in Air Force Space Command. However, he encouraged them to support the A-76 process. "It is critical we do what is right for you and the base," he said. "You need to document what you do to develop the preliminary work statement because you are the experts. My job at the end of this is to look at the final bid and to make the best decision." Mr. Sam Graham, Deputy Chief of Buckley's Mission Support Squadron and project director for the study, addressed some concerns that members of the 460th CES had at the town hall meeting. "We value you and your work," he said. "We are committed to protecting all employees' rights and benefits throughout the competition and we will share information with you as it becomes available." The base plans on holding a town hall meeting with the civil engineer employees about every two months or as needed. Proposals from the government and the private sector for the contract will be made and those proposals will be compared to determine the best decision. The proposal that is most economically and technically advantageous to the government will be selected to ultimately provide those services. "Results of the study will tentatively be made in January 2010," said Mr. Graham. "There would then be a two to 12 month transition period to implement the study results.