U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Air Forces Africa A8I Operational Innovation Branch and the 764th Enterprising Solutions Squadron awarded their first virtual Pitch Day contract, Dec. 13.
"A one-on-one virtual pitch gives USAFE - AFAFRICA the ability to see all the potential technologies and capabilities U.S. businesses have to offer, and simply makes doing business with the government easier," said Nate Searing, 764th ESS contracting officer.
The event was a culmination of the pitch day process solicited in early October which was originally scheduled for November as part of the Commercial Solutions Opening Pitch Day.
Due to the overwhelming amount of responses, it was determined a group pitch day was not a viable option. Instead, a one-on-one approach was a better fit and allowed the staff more time to focus on individual pitches.
The goal of the virtual pitch day was to streamline the acquisition process and deliver the latest technologies to Airmen, Searing said.
Ten capability gaps were collected from the headquarters staff. Topics included communication networks and infrastructures, digital technology, data fusion, information display, small-unmanned aerial systems and base defense systems.
The awarded contract will help improve the data link between Ramstein Air Base, Germany and Aviano AB, Italy to enhance and streamline the overall mission.
More than $9.5 million was available in potential awards and more virtual pitch days will be scheduled for the future encompassing the capability gaps previously identified.
"(The pitch day) has been a great success," Searing said. "The process allows for two really amazing things to happen - faster acquisitions and more innovative solutions for the warfighter."
Nate Searing, 764th Enterprising Solutions Squadron contracting officer, left, Dennis Nagle, U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Air Forces Africa A3 operations and plans division information and technology specialist, center, and Maj. David Stewart, United States Air Forces in Europe - Air Forces Africa A8I Operational Innovation Branch program manager, pose for a photo after awarding a contract during the first virtual Pitch Day at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, Dec. 13, 2019. The goal of the virtual pitch day was to streamline the acquisition process and deliver the latest technologies to Airmen. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Rachel Waller)
