Keesler Annouces A-76 status Published Sept. 12, 2007 By Susan Griggs 81st Training Wing Public Affairs KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- Officials at Keesler Air Force Base announced the final decision on the Big Base Operation Support A-76 Competitive Sourcing initiative today. The decision was announced by Brigadier General Paul Capasso, 81st Training Wing commander during a town hall meeting. General Capasso said the Air Force's final decision with Big BOS is to award a contract to Computer Sciences Corporation (CSC). Transition to contractor performance is projected from May 1, 2008 through Sept. 30, 2008, with contract start date of Oct. 1, 2008. All affected employees will be provided maximum employment assistance and will have the "right of first refusal" where they have the opportunity to apply and work for the incoming contractor. General Capasso said the Little BOS study is currently in litigation with the U.S. Court of Federal Claims. Once a court decision is reached, he will notify the employees of the decision. Base workers were informed that another town hall meeting will be scheduled in the near future offering detailed briefings to both military and civilian personnel, as well as a status update on the A-76 process. A-76 refers to the federal government's procedures for conducting cost comparison studies to determine if the performance of certain government activities is more efficient and cost-effective if conducted by the government or private sector contractors. Keesler currently has two on-going A-76 studies. "Big BOS" covers such functions as civil engineering, supply, services, weather station, and certain mission support functions. "Little BOS" covers most communications functions.