Action shots from the 2015 PROS Forum. Photo 1 (left to right): Kevin Cruze (PROS PM, AFSAC), Tim Horne (S&K PROS Director), Cynthia Abbott (Deputy Director, AFSAC), Anthony Amadeo (S&K Aerospace President) pause for a photo after Mrs. Abbott’s keynote address. Photo 2: Mark Kamholtz, S&K Aerospace PROS IV Contract Manager, chats with Deb Massar, AFSAC PROS Program Manager – retired, during the Social at the PROS Forum. Photo 3: Melanie Brooks, S&K PROS IV Maintenance Lead, calls out the first door prize numbers during the PROS Forum Social.

The Second Annual Parts and Repair Ordering System (PROS) Forum was a huge success. As the prime contractor for one of the largest logistics contracts in the U.S. Air Force, S&K Aerospace strives to continually improve the program by conducting a yearly Forum with Government (AFSAC), Industry, and end-users (Foreign Customers). The PROS Forum is specifically designed to promote a productive event for all components of the supply chain process.

This year, the event was moved from Atlanta, GA, to Dayton, OH, which provided a more convenient location for the four key players that work through this contract; AFSAC members, PROS IV teammates, the Industry suppliers who provide parts and service, and the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) end-customers.

Forum planner, Alicia Zahn, made it a focus to offer plenty of opportunities for FMS customers to meet the PROS IV team and receive additional insight into the PROS program-past, present, future. “We hosted representatives from many allied Air Forces and Navy and the feedback was very positive,” said Alicia. “The One-on-one meetings between foreign customers and senior S&K leadership were a great opportunity to discuss specific requirements and concerns.”

“This year we revised our program by offering workshops on several important topics,” said Alicia. “Our PROS IV team members stepped up to present and their preparation was impressive.”
Mr. Richard Petty presented on Maintenance, Mrs. Nicole Rintamaa presented on Supply, Mr. Alan Shaw presented on Quality and Shipping and Mrs. Lynn Daniel-Glover presented on Finance topics. The closed session workshops provided attendees the time to ask questions and share experiences with the program. In addition to the workshops, a handful of suppliers also briefed on topics ranging from Federal Defense Industries’ Ultra Low SDR Rate to Capewell’s Aerial Delivery/Airdrop.

Headlining the event was Mrs. Cynthia Abbott, the Deputy Director of the Air Force Security Assistance and Cooperation Directorate, who gave the keynote address. She spoke about the AFSAC mission for about 30 minutes to an audience of standing room only.

With over 115 companies represented, suppliers active involvement was critical to the success of the event. S&K wants to also recognize the sponsors who helped make the show so dynamic and effective; Aero Precision, P.A.R.T.S. Inc., Federal Defense Industries (FDI), Moog, Defense Technology Equipment (DTE), Kellstrom Defense Aerospace, Northbay Aviation, Integrated Procurement Technologies (IPT), Capewell, Artemis, and Cobham.

Special thanks to all of the S&K team members that pitched in to ensure the success of this event. Your efforts directly correlated to the overall success of this event.