U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Jonathan Ray Carter
Government Purchase Card program coordinator
410th Contracting Support Brigade, Regional Contracting Office - Soto Cano, Honduras
Describe your current position:
As the Government Purchase Card Agency/Organization Program coordinator, I manage the day to day operation of the GPC program for all of Soto Cano Air Base. As a contracting officer, I advise government and contractor personnel on contracting related issues and enter into contracts on behalf of the government. I also provide contingency contracting support at stateside and deployed locations in support of joint U.S. and allied forces. (Not directly assigned to the 410th CSB, Carter is attached and working for a 410th CSB contracting office. His stateside unit is the 92nd Contracting Squadron, Fairchild Air Force Base, Washington.)
Describe your professional background:
I worked with electronic warfare systems for more than six years. I maintained, troubleshot and tested radar jamming systems at Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida; Osan Air Base, South Korea and Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona. I have been in contracting for more than four years and am versed in all areas of government acquisition (commodities, services and construction). I have deployed to Baghdad, Iraq; Constanta; Romania and now to Comayagua, Honduras, supporting joint U.S. forces. I have an associate degree in avionics systems and an associate degree in contract management and Level II Acquisition Professional Development Program Certification.
Tell us more: I'm from Chandler, Arizona. I am married, no kids and two dogs. At home I frequent the parks/dog parks and work around the house. Here in Honduras, I enjoy traveling and eating at the local restaurants.
How does your job support the Soldier?
Where do I start? Everything that is used on a daily basis is purchased by contracting. From computers to the uniforms we're wearing to the dining facility building itself were all purchased on contract, executed by a contracting officer. Even with the GPC, we train and appoint Soldiers to purchase mission-essential requirements quickly. By managing the billing and order support system contract, we ensure all base services are provided (hot meals, cut grass, clean offices and maintained vehicles) so the Soldiers can minimize time spent on additional duties and maximize time spent on completing the mission.
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