Ohio National Guard News

Ohio USP&FO contracting specialist
among those receiving national recognition

Story and photo by Tech. Sgt. Erich B. Smith, National Guard Bureau

Elaine Farabee (right), deputy supervisory contract specialist with the U.S. Property & Fiscal Office for Ohio, is recognized by Cynthia S. Tolle, director of acquisitions and head of contracting activities for the National Guard Bureau, for outstanding achievement in mission accomplishment during the fourth annual Excellence in Contracting Awards Program ceremony July 12, 2018, at Fort Belvoir, Va. During federal fiscal year 2017, despite staff shortages, Farabee oversaw the completion of more than a thousand contracting actions worth more than $31 million and also volunteered to assist the Minnesota USP&FO to complete $2.3 million in contracts.

FORT BELVOIR, Va. (07/12/18) — A civilian employee of the Ohio National Guard was among the honorees when the Office of the Director of Acquisitions and Head of Contracting for the National Guard Bureau recently recognized contracting specialists for their achievements and contributions at the fourth annual Excellence in Contracting Awards Program ceremony.

Cynthia S. Tolle, the director of acquisitions and head of contracting activities for NGB, served as a keynote speaker and presenter at the awards ceremony.

“It is my earnest desire to acknowledge the work you do every day and to publicly recognize the top performers who have singularly and collectively achieved some truly exceptional successes during the past fiscal year,” she said. “If it wasn’t for you, we wouldn’t have any progress, and progress moves us toward excellence.”

Awards were presented in 10 categories, with Elaine Farabee, a deputy supervisory contract specialist with Ohio’s U.S. Property & Fiscal Office, earning the award for mission execution.

According to her award nomination packet, in federal fiscal year 2017 Farabee served as the acting supervisory contract specialist for the entire Ohio Army and Air National Guard, during a period of significant personnel shortages in the USP&FO. Her efforts ensured the completion of more than a thousand contracting actions valued at more than $31 million. In addition, Farabee volunteered to assist the Minnesota USP&FO to review and sign contracts in excess of their contracting officer’s warrant limits. Her work ensured the completion of $2.3 million in contracts for construction, computer purchases and a service contract.

Tolle said all nominees and winners exhibited strong work ethics, passion and confidence.

“Each nominee possesses these traits (and) when continuously applied, ensured success,” she said.

Melissa Cossentino, the deputy director of acquisitions and principal assistant responsible for contracting, said the event highlighted how contracting professionals contribute to Guard missions.

“We provide the contracting tools and mechanisms that enable the Soldier and Airman to have the supplies and services necessary to support the warfight, partnership building and homeland security,” Cossentino said.

As government representatives who are authorized to buy, negotiate, award and terminate contracts, she added that contracting specialists often work in challenging environments.

“We all have limited resources, (so) we have to optimize our operations to achieve efficiencies and still stay compliant with regulations — mindful of taxpayer dollars,” Cossentino said.

Tolle said working as a contracting specialist requires a perseverance that indicates the career field is composed of “creative problem solvers, critical thinkers and solution providers.”

“None of us are born with these traits, (but) many of us develop them over time with experience after we persevered through failure, criticism, rejection and pressure,” Tolle said.