Contracting officer recognized for work on helicopter contract Published Aug. 8, 2014 By Contributed story WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Oh. -- Dr. William LaPlante, Service Acquisition Executive (SAE) for the Air Force started a monthly award titled the "AQ Spot Recognition" to recognize acquisition star performers. LaPlante makes personal contact with the winner, an informal call -- no photos, certificates, coins, etc -- just the SAE calling one of our best and brightest to say he appreciates what that person is doing for the Air Force. Lisa Meyer, Air Force Life Cycle Management Center's lead contracting officer for the Combat Rescue Helicopter (CRH) program, was selected to receive the first award of this kind. LaPlante called Meyer Aug. 1 to thank her for her hard work and determination, which culminated in the award of the 15-year, $7.9 billion CRH contract on June 26. She not only led her contracts team in preparing the massive contract but also led a cost/pricing team to complete a one week intense pricing analysis. Her effort determined a clear way forward to definitize the CRH contract, thus avoiding significant government and contractor costs associated with requiring certified cost and pricing data for an undefinitized contract action.