OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE, Neb. -- The Air Force recently announced the award winners for best contracting professionals. Eric Mahowald, director of business operations for the 55th Contracting Squadron, was selected as the winner of the “Outstanding Civilian in Operational Contracting” for the supervisory level.
Mahowald commanded two flights and 28 contracting personnel who negotiated contracts for runway repairs, information technology support, combat arms training and maintenance range upgrades, grounds maintenance, base utilities and many other base support contracts.
“Few individuals could have had a greater impact on Offutt AFB in fiscal year 2016 than Eric Mahowald,” said Lt. Col. Hayes Weidman, 55th CONS commander. “His efforts literally had worldwide impacts. He was the driving force behind the 55 CONS' execution of $389 million in contracting support to the 55th Wing, 557th Weather Wing and U.S. Strategic Command."
Additionally, Mahowald developed a squadron-wide warrant training program to certify contracting officers and completed two highly competitive leadership programs.
Mahowald was nominated for the award in the past, but this was the first time he has won at the Air Force level.
“While the award is an individual award, none of [the award package’s] contents would be possible without a great team,” Mahowald said. “When I look at each bullet that was written, each one has a history – it is fun to reflect on the efforts required to make them a reality. There are a lot of people that were involved to make each one of those award bullets come to life.”