FORT DRUM, N.Y. (May 22, 2024) -- More than 20 civilian employees were recognized for their exceptional contributions as contracting officer representatives May 22 during the annual Mission and Installation Contracting Command-Fort Drum COR Appreciation Ceremony at the Sportsman Lodge.
CORs play a critical role in developing requirements and overseeing the performance of contracts in support of the installation. Their services enable warfighter readiness while maintaining a safe and secure environment for Soldiers, family members, and civilian employees.
“Contracting in the Army is critical to ensuring our warfighters have the services, facilities, and equipment to train, fight, and win our wars,” said Lt. Col. Desiree Dirige, 925th Contracting Battalion commander. “It is so vital to ensuring we are enabling ready formations and families.”
Fort Drum CORs make possible everything from barracks renovations and improved training capabilities on the ranges, to establishing the new Soldier Readiness Processing site at Clark Hall and the DoD STARBASE Academy.
“The Fort Drum MICC is consistently known as one of the best and top MICC offices in the Army,” Dirige said. “So far in fiscal year 2024, we have executed over 274 actions valued in excess of $45 million. And a huge part of that success is because of the dedication and efforts of our Fort Drum CORs.”
Col. Matthew Myer, Fort Drum garrison commander, and Command Sgt. Maj. Jermiah Larson, Fort Drum Garrison senior enlisted adviser, joined Dirige in presenting coins and certificates of appreciation to the group of CORs.
“Thinking about CORs and contracting in general, I think it often falls into that category of things that people take for granted,” Myer said. “This team does a lot of hard work, and I don’t take CORs for granted. I know it’s an additional duty to what you normally do, so I really appreciate the effort that you put into it.”
The duties of a COR include knowing the details of each contract they oversee, communicating with both the contractor and contracting team, monitoring, and documenting contractor performance. Service contracts range from custodial services to landscaping, and CORs are responsible for knowing that the work the government paid was performed to an acceptable standard.
“Where would we be without good CORs at Fort Drum?” Myer said. “A lot of the things that improve the quality of life for our Soldiers and families are due to this group of people. So, I just ask that you take the time to thank a COR and just realize their impact.”
During the ceremony, Joyce Fike, with the Directorate of Public Works, was recognized as Quality Assurance Representative of the Year. Allison Clement, also with the Directorate of Public Works, was awarded Contracting Officer Representative of the Year.
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