Air Force Outlines Plans for Strategic Sourcing The Air Force Enterprise Sourcing Group, the centerpiece of the service’s strategic sourcing efforts, is gearing up to consolidate contracts for domestic bases. ESG, operating under the Air Force Materiel Command at Wright-Patterson AFB, OH, will manage procurements of commodities and services totaling $5 billion annually across 71 domestic installations. The Air Force has estimated it can save 15% on procurements by leveraging its buying power, standardizing requirements and reducing redundant contracting. About 500 contractor representatives attended ESG’s first industry conference Oct. 25 and 26. “This was a great opportunity for current and future suppliers to learn more about the growing importance of strategic sourcing in the Air Force and DOD,” said ESG director Robert Carl Shofner. “Our focus is developing partnerships around the U.S. We are looking for suppliers to provide feedback that could help shape the future of Air Force strategic sourcing initiatives.” The new organization is still in the start-up stage. Shofner said it plans to standardize contracting methods and establish lists of pre-approved contractors, according to the Dayton (OH) Daily News. Since it stood up a year ago, ESG has awarded contracts for furnishings, civil engineering, medical services, force protection and office supplies. Officials are still working to determine which other areas they will focus on, according to a Wright-Patterson spokesman. ESG is taking over the contracts of the Defense Technical Information Center, Air Force Medical Service, Air Force Center for Engineering and the Environment, and Air Force Civil Engineering Agency. The Air Force said the group will have satellite offices in San Antonio, TX; Gunter Air Force Station, AL; Tyndall Air Force Base, FL; and Offutt Air Force Base, NE, in addition to Wright-Patterson