JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas – The Air Force Installation and Mission Support Center has created a new enterprise-wide blanket purchase agreement to deliver consistent, cost-effective base operations support information technology, or BOS-IT, services across Department of the Air Force installations.
“This is a great opportunity for the Air Force to elevate the quality and consistency of IT services across all installations,” said Master Sgt. Gerald Campbell, enterprise communications manager with AFIMSC’s Optimization and Integration Division, or A53. “We’re not just solving problems at individual bases; we’re creating a foundation that benefits the entire enterprise.”
BOS-IT services include legacy infrastructure and systems that support installation’s communication operations, such as Giant Voice, cable, antenna and microwave systems, telephony, and uninterruptible power systems.
“They are the traditional or older information systems that underpin critical base functions,” said James McClain, enterprise cable and antenna systems manager with A53.
Previously, installations managed their own BOS-IT contracts, resulting in inconsistent service, duplicated efforts, and inefficiencies. The centralized BPA streamlines procurement through pre-approved vendors, while allowing bases to tailor services to their specific mission needs and technological requirements.
“We were flexible in how we worded the requirements to make sure it was flexible enough to meet current and future mission requirements for our installations,” Campbell said
AFIMSC provides structure and oversight for installations using the BPA, which is already improving service delivery, cybersecurity, acquisition workload, and cost-effectiveness for the bases using the agreement.
“The BPA standardizes everything across the bases,” McClain said, “ensuring a consistent level of service and a specific price point.”
AFIMSC’s enterprise perspective and strong relationships with the bases positioned it to lead this effort, Campbell said.
“Through our interaction with installations, we’ve developed a healthy relationship and gained a better understanding of their needs. That gives us a good foundation to be able to build something like this BPA.”
The BPA’s development was a collaborative effort, with key support from the 771st Enterprise Sourcing Squadron, McClain said.
“There is no way we would have been able to get through this effort without the 771st ESS,” he said. “They helped translate our needs into a legally sound contract, ensuring the successful development of the BPA.”
Beyond cost savings, the BPA strengthens mission readiness by addressing foundational, critical infrastructure. This includes making sure important elements such as antennas, manholes and basic connectivity are functioning reliably.
“This BPA helps ensure our Airmen are ready to fight. Our team excels at identifying and addressing the sometimes overlooked, but essential, infrastructure that underpins mission-critical systems,” Campbell said. “Everything falls apart if you don’t have reliable BOS-IT systems.”
AFIMSC will continue supporting installations as they transition to the BPA. The initial rollout includes eight bases, with more expected to join as existing contracts expire. Ultimately, the BPA is intended to serve all 89 Air Force installations.