REDSTONE ARSENAL, Alabama (November 17, 2022) – A supervisory contracting specialist from Army Contracting Command-Rock Island, Illinois, was recently named an Army Materiel Command Employee of the Quarter for the second quarter of fiscal 2022 for delivering decisive contracting solutions.
Benjamin Gillen, who has served at ACC-Rock Island for eight years, was among the awardees announced by the AMC chief of staff Nov. 8.
The AMC Employee of the Quarter program recognizes uniformed and civilian personnel for outstanding and innovative contributions directly impacting the major command’s mission goals as well as outstanding performance for the quarter.
During the period of nomination, Gillen delivered decisive contracting solutions in support of the Holston Army Ammunition Plant, Tennessee, competition and the Radford Army Ammunition Plant, Virginia, contract extension. Both plants are crucial to AMC’s line of effort toward munitions readiness. Gillen led the government team to finalize negotiations and steered the team to further define the technical objective and formulate a strategy that would achieve an effective agreement.
“Mr. Gillen’s innate ability to deal with high-visibility and pressure scenarios, as well as his exceptional professionalism and work ethic, makes him uniquely suitable for such vital missions,” said John Cooper, the Munitions Division chief at ACC-Rock Island. “While the milestones for critical activities on both acquisitions conflicted with each other, Mr. Gillen aligned a strategic plan to ensure successful execution of the $8 billion HSAAP competition and a $1 billion RFAAP extension.”
In his nomination of Gillen, Jay Carr, the former ACC-Rock Island executive director, said Gillen distinguished himself with his professional, outstanding and truly noteworthy efforts by expertly spearheading the communication and strategic management of two complex and contentious negotiations.
“Explosives and propellants are key components within the ammunition supply chain,” said Gillen, a native of Monmouth, Illinois, who holds bachelor and master’s degrees from St. Ambrose University, Iowa. “Having the opportunity to work these programs the last few years has provided me with the ability to positively impact a multitude of DOD customers, which I take great pride in. Receiving this award reiterates the tremendous support we have from AMC leadership to confidently pursue unique and innovative approaches to fulfilling warfighter needs through contracting.”
About Army Contracting Command
The Army Contracting Command is headquartered at Redstone Arsenal, Alabama. From food and clothing to bullets and bombs; from tanks and trucks to boats and aircraft; from Soldiers' weapons to the installations where they work and live with their families, ACC ensures Soldiers have what they need to be successful. As the Army's principal buying agent, ACC supports Army readiness and modernization by using best practices and expert-level oversight to provide warfighters with premier contracting support. The command accomplishes its global operational missions with a professional workforce of Soldiers, Department of the Army civilians, foreign local nationals and contractors at more than 100 locations worldwide.
Social Sharing