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January 29, 2012

Fed. delegation working to help Summa

By Trent Moore The Cullman Times

CULLMAN — With the long-term viability of Cullman industry AAR Summa in doubt due to a potential change to how a major Army contract is bid, federal officials representing the area have stepped in to try and help.

The plant, which employees more than 200 people, produces proprietary U.S. Army storage and transportation units called CROPs and flatracks, and has done so for the past 15 years.

But, the Army is eyeing a change to the bid regulations that could limit the contract exclusively to small businesses, and is also reassessing the overall need for the equipment.

Though the local location has a smaller staff than the 500-employee Army standard for a small business, AAR Summa no longer falls into the category because it was purchased by international corporation AAR in 2007.

If the stipulation isn’t changed, AAR Summa would likely lose the contract, putting the local plant at risk.

But, local and federal officials alike hope it won’t come to that.

The company has been working closely with federal and state legislators who represent Cullman, in hopes that their feedback can help open the bid back up to allow Summa a chance to compete.

 “We really appreciate the help,” Cullman plant manager Mike Quick said. “It means a lot to know folks are working so hard to help.”

AAR Government Affairs Manager Christine Wayne said the support is encouraging, and she hopes the company will receive news soon from the Army.

“I’m sure they’re still working on our behalf to try and get some of these missing puzzle pieces for us, and the legislators have been great advocates on our behalf,” she said. “We’re still optimistic and working hard.”

When contacted by The Times, Congressman Robert Aderholt (R-Alabama) said he is aware of the issue and is staying in contact with the company to offer as much help as possible.

“I personally met with the Army in mid-December and have asked them to clarify their mission needs for this product and how their contracting plans will meet that need,” he said via e-mail. “Meanwhile, my staff and I will continue to work with AAR and the offices of Senators Shelby and Sessions and do what we can on this issue.”

Aderholt added he is proud of the type of corporate citizen Summa has been to the Cullman community.

“Summa won the original contract for CROPS and Flatracks as part of a small business set-aside competition,” Aderholt said. “Summa was bought by AAR and AAR is now too big to qualify, if the Army decides to make this contract a small business set aside again. The Army has indicated they may no longer have a need for Flatracks and CROPS, and their internal study will soon be completed ... I am proud of the 100 percent approval rating AAR Summa has with the Army and their contributions to our community and I will continue to closely monitor this.”

Requests for comments from U.S. Senator Jeff Sessions (R-Alabama) and U.S. Senator Richard Shelby (R-Alabama) were not returned by deadline of this article.



* Trent Moore can be reached by e-mail at trentm@cullmantimes.com, or by telephone at 734-2131, ext. 220.

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