Teamwork, planning results in end of year funding for Luke projects

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman James Hensley
  • 56th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. --  The 2017 fiscal year ended and money distributed to fund all projects on the 56th Fighter Wing consolidated resources and requirements list. Nearly $16 million was allocated to various projects stemming from the CRRL, a consolidated list of top priorities across the Wing that lacked funding.

“The Trifecta is a weekly meeting attended by the 56th Civil Engineer, Contracting and Comptroller commanders,” said Col. Robert Sylvester, 56th Mission Support Group commander. “The purpose of the meeting ensures Trifecta members stay synched and is ready to execute immediately when funds flow down from higher headquarters.”

Often times, the Trifecta faced challenges receiving funds for items on the CRRL, but fiscal year 2017 has proven to be a successful year.

“The CRRL has things the base needs according to the wing commander and usually many of these priorities and requirements do not have funding,” said Eric Hinsch, 56th CONS services and infrastructure branch flight chief. “Pretty much everything listed in the CRRL for fiscal year 2017 received funding. It is a combined effort from customers, resource advisors, contracting personnel and the wing commander.”

Initially, the team didn’t know how much or when they would receive funding, however pre-planning made the process much smoother.

“This team accepted risk, by ensuring they had bids in hand, even when we didn't have dollars in our pockets,” Sylvester said. “This risk was well rewarded and the team was able to capture $15.9 million in end-of-year funds.”

Several of the projects funded that will benefit units, Airmen and their families include:

• Renovations to the 944th Logistics Readiness building
• Height extensions to the perimeter fence
• Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning renovations in five buildings
• An explosive ordnance disposal warehouse
• A rolling gate for a base entry control point
• A Family Camp recreational vehicle park

According to Trifecta, identifying, prioritizing problems and working with teams across the base has successfully solved many of the resource shortfalls, ultimately taking care of Airmen and their families.