JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas – It’s Mission Monday. Meet Martin Rodriguez, a contract specialist with the Air Force Installation Contracting Center’s 772nd Enterprise Sourcing Squadron in San Antonio.
He delivers for the Department of the Air Force by finding and developing innovative acquisition solicitations.
“I evaluate proposals to develop negotiation objectives, negotiate and document award decisions effectively and efficiently,” the San Antonio native said. “I also administer multiple contracts simultaneously and engage with mission partners and industry to ensure projects progress and are in compliance with contract terms and conditions.”
Most recently, that’s meant delivering sound, value-added business judgement for the repair and replacement of fuel infrastructure at all Air Force installations stateside and overseas.
We asked Rodriguez to tell us a little more about himself and the work he does for the DAF.
What do you love about your job?
Collaborating with my colleagues and mission partners and knowing we are all a part of something bigger than us.
When it comes to your job, what keeps you motivated?
The thought of supporting larger missions … for example, without fuel, warfighters are unable to conduct humanitarian aid, transport troops, deliver cargo and refuel air missions.
Why are you and your team important to the Air Force and Space Force enterprise and your customers?
The 772nd ESS is responsible for awarding contracts and task orders to repair and replace fuel infrastructures at all Air Force Installations stateside and overseas.
Describe a project or event you and your team worked on recently that gave you a great sense of accomplishment:
I recently solicited and awarded two task orders for cathodic protection inspections at over 70 DAF installations. I led the negotiations for the cathodic protection survey and repair cathodic protection systems task orders which resulted in a savings of $400,000 to the government.
How does what you do support AFIMSC’s strategic priorities?
Fuels infrastructure programs invest in mission-critical facilities to strengthen lethality and readiness by properly equip installations to provide the fuel needed for our warfighters to accomplish their missions.
Is there anything else you’d like to add which might help people understand the importance of what you do for the Department of the Air Force?
Our squadron efforts involve working in partnership with a range of stakeholders to include the Defense Logistics Agency-Energy who is the main supplier of fuel to the Air Force and responsible for funding the sustainment and repair of fuel facilities.