A-76 decision: Support functions will be taken over by contractor for $270 million Published Sept. 18, 2007 By Susan Griggs 81st Training Wing Public Affairs KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- The Air Force has announced their decision on a $270 million contract to cover civil engineering, supply, services, weather station and certain mission support functions at Keesler. The contract is for a projected 10 years -- the first year and nine options, according to Brian Mooers, Keesler's competitive sourcing chief. "Big BOS," which refers to the larger of the two base operating support contracts, will be awarded to Computer Services Corp., which purchased DynCorp, the original service provider. The decision affects about 586 civilian and military employees at Keesler. However, "Little BOS," a second contract to cover most communication support functions by government employees at a cost of $54 million over a 10-year period, remains in litigation with the U.S. Court of Federal Claims. That decision affects about 175 civilian and military positions. The decisions were announced by Brig. Gen. Paul Capasso, 81st Training Wing commander, Sept. 13, one day after congressional notifications were made. "There's goodness in having a decision," General Capasso said to many of the affected personnel at a town hall meeting in Welch Auditorium. "It allows our people to move forward and plan for their futures. "It's in our best interest at Keesler to transition to Big BOS on schedule and to help each and every one of you go through the process to make sure all viable options are looked at to meet your needs," he continued. Another town hall meeting is planned within the next 30 days to address personnel issues and provide a status update. General Capasso stressed key dates in 2008 are only estimates until the schedule is finalized with the contractor. For now, May 1 is the estimated date to begin mobilization. The transition to the new service provider is expected to begin July 1, followed by full contractor support beginning Oct. 1. "That start date makes sense because it's the fiscal year turnover," General Capasso pointed out. Big BOS and Little BOS were based on A-76 competitive sourcing studies conducted over a five-year period to determine if the performance of certain government activities is more efficient and cost-effective if conducted by the government or private sector. A tentative decision announced Aug. 18, 2005, awarded Big BOS to a contractor, while keeping Little BOS in-house. However, Hurricane Katrina struck 11 days later, placing the process on hold. The Air Force conducted a full analysis and review of the storm's impact on Keesler related to the tentative decision and reviewed an appeal by the American Federation of Government Employees before deciding to move forward.