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CPSG in-house logistics support expected to save millions

  • Published
  • By Chuck Paone
  • 66th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. --  The Electronic Systems Center completed transitioning all sustainment actions for a critical base security system from contractors to a government-organic source Feb. 10, reaping large savings for the government.

All logistics support for the Tactical Automated Security System, known as TASS, will now be performed at the Cryptologic Systems Group, in San Antonio, Texas, part of ESC's 653rd Electronic Systems Wing. The total switch from contractor logistics support to organic support is expected to save the government nearly $4 million a year, according to Kermit Schol of CPSG.

TASS, managed by ESC's 642nd Electronic Systems Squadron at Hanscom AFB, Mass., is a rapidly deployable, integrated electronic intrusion detection system that provides the capability to detect, annunciate and remotely assess intrusions into a secured area. The early detection and identification of an intrusion prevents or minimizes damage or destruction of mission-critical resources.

The system is considered a force multiplier in that it provides a lot of additional security without adding more personnel for guard and patrol duties.

It has been used around the globe, including throughout the Central Command Area of Responsibility, protecting personnel and critical assets in active war zones. The largest user of TASS, in fact, is Air Forces Central, which provides Air Force component support to CENTCOM.

AFCENT began relying on the San Antonio-based group for TASS logistics support in October 2009, according to Mr. Schol. Air Force Security Forces, at sites worldwide -- other than AFCENT sites -- began depending exclusively on CPSG for this sustainment support in January 2009.

All stocks of TASS spares have been moved to CPSG storage, and CPSG personnel are processing repair transactions with forward-deployed customers. They have accomplished approximately 2,000 so far in fiscal year '10, Mr. Schol said.

The increased workload associated with TASS has resulted in CPSG adding seven new employees to its workforce. In all, 13 personnel there support TASS and other force protection products.

"TASS plays an important role in protecting our deployed warfighters, including some of our CPSG co-workers," he said. "We are proud to contribute to their safety and security while at the same time saving the Air Force millions of dollars by effectively utilizing existing CPSG processes."