Navy Supply Systems Command (NAVSUP) Fleet Logistics Center (FLC) Bahrain officially stood up their contracting authority at a ribbon-cutting ceremony, June 16.

The new local authority in Code 200, a department of NAVSUP FLC Bahrain, will allow the organization to better service the fleet's acquisition needs in the Middle East.

Formerly a detachment of NAVSUP FLC Sigonella, Italy, NAVSUP FLC Bahrain Code 200 will now operate as an independent contracting entity and report directly to Capt. Sean M. Egge, commanding officer of NAVSUP FLC Bahrain.

Prior to its qualification as an independent contracting organization, NAVSUP FLC Bahrain Code 200 personnel were required to obtain Contract Review Board (CRB) approval for all contracts over $1 million through the chief of the contracting office out of NAVSUP FLC Sigonella in Italy.

Rear Adm. James McNeal, commander, NAVSUP Global Logistics Support (GLS), attended the event to mark the transition of contracting responsibility to NAVSUP FLC Bahrain.

"There is never a dull moment in this complex and dynamic region," said McNeal. "NAVSUP FLC Bahrain supported more than 800 port visits in the last 12 months -- more than any other FLC in the world. Now they have the authority and the agility that comes with it to fully support all of our fleet customers' contracting needs right here from Bahrain."

The new local authority will enable NAVSUP FLC Bahrain to reduce contract completion times on large contracts for its customers at 96 tenant commands at Naval Support Activity (NSA) Bahrain and at U.S. 5th Fleet assets spread our throughout the U.S. Naval Central Command (NAVCENT) area of responsibility (AOR).

"Earning contract authority is not easy," said Egge. "Code 200's performance has been exemplary and feedback from shore and fleet customers alike revealed that the commands we serve appreciate their hard work and ability to respond to changes. I am grateful to NAVSUP FLC Sigonella Chief of Contracting Capt. Bill Hayes and his team in Italy. Without their support and leadership, this transition of authority would not be possible."

Before NAVSUP FLC Bahrain Code 200 could qualify as a fully independent contracting organization, it had to complete the Navy's Procurement Performance Management Assessment Program (PPMAP).

The PPMAP process is the cornerstone of the Navy's contracting enterprise governance. A primary objective of the program is to encourage and assist contracting organizations in making continuous improvements in all phases of their acquisition processes. The process takes into consideration performance as well as customer feedback.

"Our PPMAP results are a direct reflection of the dedication and hard work from an outstanding team of contracting professionals," said Cmdr. Chong Hunter, director of contracts for NAVSUP FLC Bahrain. "We're very proud of our accomplishment and look forward to the new challenges ahead."

Approval to provide full contract authority under its Code 200 department marked the final requirement for NAVSUP FLC Bahrain, established Oct. 23, 2013, to become an independent, full-service FLC.

NAVSUP FLC Bahrain has more than 160 military and civilian personnel providing logistics support in the region. The command is one of eight FLCs worldwide in the NAVSUP GLS enterprise.

NAVSUP GLS provides global logistics for a global Navy. The organization is made up of more than 6,500 military and civilian logistics professionals operating from 105 locations worldwide providing an extensive array of integrated global logistics and contracting services to Navy, Marine Corps, joint operational units, and allied forces across all warfare enterprises.

For more news on NAVSUP FLC Bahrain, visit: https://www.navsup.navy.mil/navsup/ourteam/navsupgls/navsupflcb or http://www.facebook.com/NAVSUPFLCBahrain.

For more news from Naval Supply Systems Command, visit www.navy.mil/.