Planning, execution key to successful fiscal year closeout

  • Published
  • By Rhonda Siciliano
  • 66th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
HANSCOM AFB, Mass. --  Base-wide planning and precise execution helped to make the closeout of fiscal year 2008 a success, and brought Hanscom some much-needed additional funding for several quality of life requirements, workplace initiatives and projects. 

"This was a great team effort to identify requirements and execute projects that will benefit the ESC mission and its people," said Col. David Orr, 66th Air Base Wing commander. "The contracting and comptroller teams of Hanscom were armed and ready to execute as we received fallout funding from AFMC." 

Included in the end-of-year allocations was $579,000 from the Electronic Systems Center Corporate Board for Hanscom Workplace Initiative projects designed to improve deteriorating work center environments for employees. 

"Every fiscal year the budget seems to get tighter than the year before," said Maj. Ned June, 66th Comptroller Squadron commander. "Despite the challenges we were able to successfully execute nearly $24 million in end of year funding that was received from AFMC."

To mitigate shortfalls in the FY '09 budget, base officials obligated $7.5 million in end-of-year funds to pay for or 'buy down' contracts for such things as maintenance, facility operations, and custodial contracts. This frees up fiscal year 2009 dollars to overcome projected shortfalls in some areas. 

Included in the end of year funding was $310,000 dedicated strictly to improving quality of life around the base. Among these requirements were replacing the pool locker room flooring, playground equipment, Fitness Center carpet and tile for the locker room, television monitors for the Child Development Center, and cabin repairs at the Fourth Cliff recreation area. 

"These initiatives will positively benefit Team Hanscom and add to our community identity," Colonel Orr said. 

Additional unfunded requirements that were met in end-of year funding included treadmills and elliptical trainers for the fitness center, climbing equipment, library books and supplies and tool boxes for the Auto Hobby Shop.