LAUGHLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Texas—Jesus Perez, 47th Contracting Flight contract specialist, was chosen by wing leadership to be the “XLer” of the week, for the week of March 26, 2018, at Laughlin Air Force Base, Texas.
The “XLer” award, presented by Col. Charlie Velino, 47th Flying Training Wing commander, is given to those who consistently make outstanding contributions to their unit and the Laughlin mission.
Perez describes contracting as being the middle man between the contracted companies and the customer. He says everything flows through contracting.
One of the projects Perez was highlighted for was his role in upgrading Cactus Lanes Bowling Alley.
“The bowling alley project was a team effort between contracting and the 47th Civil Engineer Squadron, and together we straightened out all the final details and enabled the construction to begin,” Perez said.
Attention to detail is a crucial part of a contracting specialist’s job, Perez explained. If the small things are overlooked, the bowling alley could end up with a soda machine that doesn’t work if no one directed the contractor to cut space in the counter for the soda machine.
Perez also played a key role renegotiating two contracts for the T-1 Jayhawk sunshades so their designs complied with construction codes. Perez mentioned the clearances came about with the help of the 47th CES and especially airfield management because they helped with all the details and are the technical experts.
“I used to work in maintenance for 10 years so I know those sunshades are going to play a critical part in extending the life of the aircraft,” Perez said. “Maintenance and personnel who work out there will be very happy. The sunshades will help them do a better job, leading to better inspections and safer equipment.”
Another project Perez assisted in was the closeout of three out of 13 contracts his unit had been working with.
According to Perez, a closeout ensures the contracting company has been paid and claims have been released so the contract companies are not able to accuse the government of not paying them. He further discussed, this process also involves warranties, progress reports and making sure all the paperwork is in order.
Perez has been selected as this week's XLer for his ceaseless dedication to the 47th CONF and to the Laughlin mission.