News Search

Contracting offices join forces to tackle Sixteenth Air Force Information Warfare mission

  • Published
  • By Sharon Singleton
  • Sixteenth Air Force (Air Forces Cyber)

As Sixteenth Air Force (Air Forces Cyber) reached full operational capability earlier this month, solidifying the convergence of intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR), cyber, electromagnetic warfare, information operations, and weather operations, federal agencies’ and joint partners’ need for these capabilities continues to skyrocket. In order to deliver Information Warfare (IW) outcomes for the nation, a strong, unified acquisition organization must be in place to meet those growing demands.

As such and in line with the Air Force’s newly created IW organization that stood up on Oct. 11, 2019, Lt. Gen. Timothy Haugh, Sixteenth Air Force (AFCYBER) commander, recently realigned the cyber contracting mission from the 688th Cyberspace Wing to the Headquarters Air Combat Command Acquisition Management Integration Center (AMIC), formerly focused solely on ISR contracts through its division supporting Sixteenth Air Force, Detachment 2 (Det 2). This move integrates and closes the separation gap between cyber and ISR efforts thereby creating a one stop shop under a unified director.

Merging the capabilities of the respective organizations under AMIC provides both the Air Force and Sixteenth Air Force a reach back capability of uniformed Airmen, government civilians, and contractors specializing in large­scale, cradle-to-grave contract and program management for both ISR and cyber operations.

While AMIC headquarters is located at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia, the newly merged AMIC Det 2 will be located at JBSA-Lackland, Texas, Patrick Air Force Base, Florida and Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma.

As the contracting service provider for ISR and cyber-related contracts for the Sixteenth Air Force, AMIC’s mission is to deliver responsive, cost-effective, mission-focused acquisition solutions to maximize joint warfighter effectiveness and capabilities. This objective will be accomplished primarily through AMIC’s contractual arrangements which will help solidify Sixteenth Air Force’s footprint in ‘Military City USA.’

Mr. Timothy Applegate, director of AMIC, believes the merged depth of AMIC’s capabilities will continue to advance IW, and industry partners will be the key to the IW NAFs success.

“For the Numbered Air Force to stay on the cutting edge of technological developments, it is imperative to have the continued integration of innovation and expertise from industry partners,” he said.  “Our direct engagement with businesses through industry days and their access to our small business offices will provide the support and guidance they need to thrive,” Applegate said, adding that AMIC serves both small and large businesses, locally and globally, but makes a sustained effort to proactively research the market in search of small, non-traditional businesses that can provide the services needed.

Veronica Solis, director of AMIC Det 2, said recognizing and utilizing innovation and strategic sourcing to gain efficiencies can greatly reduce costs, allowing mission partners to be more effective with their resources, and provide savings for local businesses as well as the Air Force.

“We rely on their innovative ideas to keep us in the game.  Our strengths lie in the expertise and knowledge of a highly-skilled workforce that has adapted to the evolving needs of ISR and offensive and defensive cyberspace operations,” said Solis.

The new merger also has the potential benefit of streamlining processes which will in turn lead to an enhanced utilization of funds stemming from cost savings.  “Every dollar we save in acquisition and contract costs is another dollar the warfighter can spend on critical requirements,” said Carissa Heuertz, one of AMIC Det 2’s contracting officers.  “Our number one priority is fulfilling mission needs at a fair and reasonable price to the government and our contractors.”

Dr. Lisa Anderson, AMIC Det 2 small business professional, suggests businesses searching for government opportunities contact the AMIC office by email at 16AF.AMICDet2.OrgBox@us.af.mil

The Sixteenth Air Force (Air Forces Cyber), headquartered at JBSA-Lackland, Texas, is the first-of-its-kind Numbered Air Force.  Also known as the Air Force’s IW Numbered Air Force, the Sixteenth integrates multisource ISR, cyber warfare, electronic warfare, information operations, and weather operations capabilities across the conflict continuum to ensure that our Air Force is fast, lethal and fully integrated in both competition and in war.  Sixteenth Air Force (Air Forces Cyber) provides mission integration of IW at operational and tactical levels…recognizing the role of information in creating dilemmas for adversaries in competition and, if necessary, future conflicts.  Sixteenth Air Force is empowered Airmen delivering outcomes for the nation.