Manas officials host Vendor's Day in Kyrgyzstan

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Michael Voss
  • 376th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
MANAS AIR BASE, Kyrgyzstan (AFNS) --  Representatives from more than 70 Kyrgyz businesses attended a Vendor Day to learn more about how to do business at Manas Air Base held Nov. 13 at the Bishkek Hyatt Regency in Kyrgyzstan.

Airmen from the 376th Expeditionary Contracting Squadron coordinated and hosted the event as a way to help local Kyrgyz businesses understand how to compete and bid for future base contracts and business projects.

"This event provided the opportunity for Kyrgyz businesses to meet the contracting personnel from the base they will work with on a regular basis if they bid for or win a contract," said Capt. Rochelle Smith, the 376th ECONS commander. "I expect that today's Vendor Day will translate into Manas AB being able to do business with more local companies in the future."

During the Vendor Day, contractors and vendors representing a wide variety of businesses -- from big construction equipment suppliers needed for civil engineer projects to entertainment acts for future shows at the base's morale centers -- received briefings on the bidding process and how companies are selected.

"A couple of the people I met here did prior business with the base, like the company that handled the fireworks for past Independence Day celebrations," said Master Sgt. Kenneth Baptiste, the 376th Expeditionary Force Support Squadron services manager. "It was interesting to hear what kind of support they could offer the base for special occasions that might warrant fireworks in the future."

The goal of purchasing products through local businesses is twofold for the base. First, by purchasing products locally, the Air Force saves substantial shipping costs and the time it would take to have supplies sent from the United States or elsewhere. Second, it offers an opportunity to purchase necessary items locally to support the Kyrgyz economy and receive quicker service.

"Right now, we buy a lot of our commodities from the United States and we would like to purchase them locally if available," Captain Smith said. "Even if the Air Force saves a little money ordering materials from the U.S., it often costs as much if not more than buying locally due to the shipping expense. It also takes a long time to receive supplies here. When we have to wait six months to receive office supplies, it makes better sense to purchase local."

A telling sign of the success of the Vendor Day event was the fact that minimal advertising in local newspapers drew such a large audience. Many vendors learned about the event through word of mouth, while some personally knew vendors and contractors who have done or currently provide equipment or services for the base. Several others heard about the opportunity through the American embassy. 

"It was great to see such a large turnout at today's event," said Staff Sgt. Melissa Kinzner, the 376th ECONS NCO in charge. "Both the base and local businesses benefit from this partnership. It's really satisfying to be able to coordinate an event that will have a lasting and positive impact on Manas AB and the local area."

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