Union, contractor file A-76 appeals Published April 18, 2007 By Susan Griggs 81st Training Wing Public Affairs KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- Two appeals were filed with Air Education and Training Command concerning Keesler's tentative A-76 decision before the March 30 expiration of the 30-day public review period. The appeals were announced during a town hall meeting April 12 at Welch Auditorium. The American Federation of Government Employees Local 2670 is appealing the tentative decision to award DynCorp a 10-year contract at a cost of $280 million. This part of the package, referred to as "Big BOS," covers base operating support, including civil engineering, supply, services and some mission support functions currently performed by about 562 military and civilian personnel. RKR Joint Venture is appealing the tentative decision to award the contract for communications functions to the government's "most efficient organization." Communications, referred to as "Little BOS," is currently provided by about 175 military and civilian employees. The 10-year cost is $54 million. "AETC has the stick on the appeals process," said Brian Mooers, Keesler's competitive sourcing chief. A team comprised of contracting, legal, functional, manpower and financial experts from the command reviews the appeals. They will make recommendations by month's end to Air Force headquarters, which makes the final decision to accept or deny the appeals. The criteria for the administrative appeals process is outlined in Chapter 18 of Air Force Instruction 38-203, Commercial Activities Program. The review team addresses discrepancies, errors or omissions to ensure the cost comparison reflects the correct outcome for the government, regardless of whether the final decision favors the contractor or the MEO. "No final decision can be made until all appeals are resolved," Mr. Mooers pointed out. "If, for some reason, an error was made during the process leading up to the tentative decision, then that would have to be addressed and fixed before a final decision can be made." According to AFI 38-203, until the process is completed and a final cost comparison is determined, appeals may not be released under the Freedom of Information Act.