Edwards civilian wins AFMC Outstanding Contracting Civilian Award Published Feb. 8, 2007 By Airman 1st Class Stacy Sanchez 95th Air Base Wing Public Affairs EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- An Edwards civilian received the Air Force Materiel Commands Outstanding Contracting Civilian Award recently. Sarah Saunders, Air Force Flight Test Center Contracting Directorate procurement technician, won the award for the period of October 2005 to September 2006. Ms. Newkirk's mission on Edwards is to provide the AFFTC and its associates with business advice and a wide range of contracting services. Her responsibilities are to deliver great customer service, to define and improve processes and to be accountable. Ms. Newkirk was nominated by her peers for her diverse programs that have serviced 120 personnel across three buying offices. She has matched thousands of training requested with needs and course availability and budget constraints. Ms. Newkirk completed 396 soft skill training events, said Melody Childress, AFFTC Contracting Directorate division chief. She has also improved customer satisfaction by 200 percent. "She is validated by her fellow employees as a superb performer," Ms. Childress said. In 2006, she teamed with the Force Development Course to reduce the initial $300,000 estimated bill for classes to $77,000. "I think winning this award is great," Ms. Newkirk said. "I was shocked and deeply honored by the recognition and respect my supervisor and senior leadership showed by nominating me. I never thought I had a chance to win a command award and for it to go to Air Force level is an unbelievable feeling. Recognition of the hard work and my accomplishments is wonderful." Ms. Newkirk said an award in general is an excellent way to bring recognition to their support and administration personnel, who sometimes go unnoticed. Ms. Newkirk is currently perusing her bachelor's degree and is striving to obtain a professional position in the contracting career field.