MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. -- Expeditionary Contracting Platoon, Combat Logistics Regiment 17, 1st Marine Logistics Group, I Marine Expeditionary Force received the Expeditionary Contracting Team of the Year award at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Aug. 25, 2020. Through their tireless efforts, positive attitude and mission oriented mindset, the Marines of the ECP demonstrated what a well-balanced shop can accomplish.
Eligibility for this award is competitive. Marines and civilians within the Marine Corps Field Contracting System are evaluated on mission-effectiveness, resourcefulness and innovation. The ECP created over 123 contracts and additional modifications for the Marine Corps, Navy, and Joint Forces engaged in an expeditionary environment. These assets totaled over $4.1 million. In addition, 1st MLG contracting officers arranged contracted support from other services and agencies using military interdepartmental purchase requests worth over $5.5 million.
The ECPs dedication and steadfast ethos enabled them to accomplish an array of demanding tasks testing every aspect of their expertise. Considered a high volume short duration mission, support for the South West Border tested the full capacity of ECP. Over the five month mission, the ECP maintained two onsite contracting officers and provided the necessary reach back support in order to coordinate contracts for 926 pieces of heavy equipment, utilities equipment, and material handling equipment as well as other services that were used to support the border mission at 14 different sites.
“I think honestly, the office just wants to support. I can’t speak for everyone here, but I know that everyone that I’ve worked with since I’ve been here, their interests have been the Marines and supporting our units wherever we are tasked,” said Staff Sgt. Andrew J. Collins Jr., contract specialist, ECP, CLR 17, 1st MLG.
Composed of 26 uniformed warranted contracting officers, the ECP provides direct and general support to I MEF Ground Combat Element and sustained tactical-level logistics support above the organic capabilities of supported elements of I MEF.
“When commanders have an idea in a foreign country, in a different economy, our contracting Marines are able to turn those ideas into a reality,” said Brig. Gen. Bobbi Shea.
Because of the selfless attitudes and mission focused mindset of every member of the 1st MLG ECP, the platoon was able to fully support all requests for procurement planning and expeditionary contracting support in a timely manner.