By Airman 1st Class Bryce Moore, 509th BW
Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo. – Senior Airman Francisco Martinez, 509th Contracting Squadron contracting officer, is the first Airman from Whiteman Air Force Base to hold a unique distinction.
Martinez is the first junior enlisted Airman to have the authority to sign contracts of up to $5 million.
“When you first come in, you begin as a contracting administrator,” said Martinez, “As you gain experience, you take the contracting officer test and see if you are ready to take that next step and receive a warrant to be able to sign contracts yourself.”
When Martinez first assumed the role of a contracting officer, he was an airman first class, making him the first person of that rank from Whiteman AFB to achieve this title. His initial warrant was valued at $250,000, but as he gained experience and responsibility, his warrant value steadily increased, until reaching the $5 million approval he has now.
“It takes a lot of discipline,” Martinez explained. “You’re constantly learning and asking questions, as everything is changing constantly,”
Martinez’s responsibilities include overseeing contracts for a wide range of essential Air Force projects, such as procuring cold weather gear, maintaining critical system needs for the B-2 Spirit, and securing contracts for advanced training tools like flight and driving simulators.
Projects can span several months, requiring him to balance competing priorities and manage significant financial stakes.
“He definitely is one of our top performers,” said Tech. Sgt. James Bohnenstingel, 509th Contracting Squadron flight chief. “He’s really good at being able to articulate all the weird things about our job.”
In recognition of his leadership and expertise, Martinez has also become a trainer for new contracting Airmen joining the squadron, helping to pass on the knowledge and skills necessary for success in the field.
Martinez’s achievement is not just a personal milestone, but a reflection of the Air Force’s commitment to developing young leaders. His achievements underscore the opportunities for junior enlisted personnel to take on significant responsibilities and contribute to the overall mission in new and impactful ways.
