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News | June 12, 2017

DCMA Sikorsky Aircraft Stratford wins Connecticut Federal Executive Association awards

By Tonya Johnson DCMA Public Affairs

Defense Contract Management Agency Sikorsky Aircraft Stratford employees were recently recognized during the annual Excellence in Government Awards Program on April 28 in Berlin, Connecticut. The annual program, administered by the Connecticut Federal Executive Association, recognizes exemplary employees from the federal government in the state.   

“‘One team, one voice’ starts from the top, and we, at DCMA Sikorsky, have taken that mindset to heart and implement it on a daily basis,” said Marine Col. Jack Perrin, DCMA Sikorsky’s commander. “We all have a great deal of pride in what we do and who we support. Getting the right product to the warfighter on time and at the right price is part of our DNA. Everyone at DCMA Sikorsky has that focus every day.”

DCMA Sikorsky won awards in three categories — Outstanding Customer Service Effort – Team; Distinguished Federal Supervisor; and Outstanding Creativity and Innovation – Individual. 

The Aviation Program Team that won the Outstanding Customer Service Effort award consisted of Navy Lt. Cmdr. Anthony Petrosino, Paul Mitchell, Army Chief Warrant Officer 5 Michael Bobkoskie, Navy Chief Petty Officer Michael Baker, Mark Oxner, Paul Garofolo and Angel Rosario. 

“This team has meticulously overseen 2,348 flight hours across 1,987 sorties, while delivering over 217 aircraft to the warfighters downrange, all with zero mishaps,” said Perrin. “This exceptional teaming is unmatched throughout DCMA. Their commitment to the government and the contractor alike is unparalleled. The team exceeds expectations on a daily basis, ensuring compliance and safety throughout a risky profession.”

The APT is responsible for performing contract administration services on five programs valued at more than $42 billion dollars, which includes 13 Foreign Military Sales contracts. The team also regulates flight operations, maintenance, manufacturing, and aircraft systems for contracts which are covered by the Ground and Flight Risk Clause. In addition, the team is responsible for ensuring that aircraft are maintained and operated in accordance with contractual requirements.

According to Perrin, Sikorsky’s flight schedule consists of over 15 sorties a day and involves 55 pilots, all which must be observed and vetted. The team’s efforts resulted in numerous achievements, including reaching more than 600 operational test hours on the newest Sikorsky helicopter CH-53K, also known as the King Stallion.  

“Since I have started at DCMA Sikorsky, we have always talked about communication, relationships and trust,” said Perrin. “Teamwork, in the best since of the word, is the product of communicating, building relationships and trust. Our success as individuals and as a contract management office is a direct result of our teamwork.” 

Other employees received awards during the ceremony for their achievement. Vincent Foster, who is an engineering team lead at the office, received the Distinguished Federal Supervisor award. Jim Pellegrino, a procurement analyst, received the Outstanding Creativity and Innovation award.

In addition to the three awards, employees were finalists in a variety of other categories, including Distinguished Federal Manager, Outstanding Support Employee, and the Unsung Hero award.

“This is the first time in the (office’s) history that members of the command were identified as winners or finalists for these awards,” said Army Maj. Robert Massey, a deputy program integrator for the UH-60M Black Hawk. “What makes these awards so special is that they represent excellence in service across all federal government agencies in the state of Connecticut. 

“Not only does this indicate the great benefit that DCMA Sikorsky Aircraft Stratford provides to our military customers, but it also demonstrates just how significant that contribution is when compared to the many other government organizations and civil servants helping to support communities across Connecticut daily.”

Perrin said the recent recognition show that employees are committed to the mission of being “the independent eyes and ears of the federal government.”

“We provide actionable acquisition intelligence on every program and contract we have oversight on. We support our customers by ensuring the products that are produced are correct and are in accordance with the contract. Our support enables the acquisition community to buy better products at the right price.”