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AF Academy – Natural Res OfficeAF Academy – Natural Res Office

Manpower for Air Force Academy Natural Resource Office

Phil MarneHQ USAFA/CEVDSN 333-8362

philip.marne@usafa.af.mil

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AF Academy – Natural Res OfficeAF Academy – Natural Res Office

AF Academy Natural Res Office is “contracted” to USFWS Contracted = Formal Cooperative Agreement

BACKGROUND

Initially for A-76 study, decision was made that four Nat Res slots are inherently governmental per Sikes Act

CEV including Cultural Resources was contracted; Natural Resources remained in-house

Subsequently, XP stated “positions may be procured by contract.” Also, CE included in base wide RIF

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Sikes Act states “priority shall be given to the entering into contracts for the procurement of such implementation and enforcement services with Federal and State agencies having responsibility for conservation and management of fish and wildlife.”

Academy had cooperative agreement (CA) with USFWS for support with noxious weeds, T&E species, fish, etc

Ft Carson had a CA in place augmenting their manpower Academy expanded its CA to include all on-site manpower

30 Sep 03, four AF Natural Res slots dropped from the UMD No RIF action

1 Oct 03, AF funds four USFWS Nat Res slots from outsourcing funds. A surcharge is assessed

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CONCERNS

USFWS is a regulatory agency for T&E species Hasn’t been an issue; our slots are in a different section

USFWS could dictate filling of slots Hasn’t been an issue; original personnel filling the slots & subsequent vacancy selected by mutual consensus

USFWS could RIF these slots Not an issue as they manage by funding, not UMD quota

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OTHER

Academy is unique being a one base MAJCOM, we wanted government/Sikes Act expertise on base; either in the MAJCOM or at base level

Would I recommend other bases “contract” out Natural Resources to another Federal or State agency?

I believe in-house positions is the best option If A-76 or RIF circumstances dictate, it is a viable option and is currently working fine at the Academy

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Questions ?