AFSO21 holds event

  • Published
  • By Robert Wade
  • 47th Flying Training Wing AFSO21
LAUGHLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- --  Anyone who has ever submitted an AF Form 332, a Budget Execution Request or AF Form 9 is probably aware that these processes have been challenging. How do I know what kind of requirement I have and what forms I need? How do I properly justify my requirement? Who needs to sign off on it? How does my request get prioritized and do I have ways to influence its ranking? Where do I go to find the status of my requirement? These are just a few of the questions that often come up.

Last year Laughlin's senior leadership gathered for a three-day AFSO21 event to accomplish an Enterprise Value Stream Map of all the processes we have at Laughlin. This eVSM became the foundation upon which future Balanced Score Cards would be based and AFSO21 events would be built. So far, events have targeted such things as the civilian hiring process, RAPCON and tower training and scheduled maintenance.

During the week of June 29 through July 2, a team led by Lt. Col. John Enyeart, 47th Installation Support Squadron commander, and co-led by Robert Young, 47th Comptroller Squadron financial manager, assembled to look at issues surrounding our fiscal year-to-fiscal year budget planning and execution processes. This included work order, project and end-of-year purchase submissions. The charter for the event dictated the following deliverables: clarify the decision-making processes involved; establish a consolidated and consistent process for setting priorities that is aligned with the wing vision and goals; establish strategic and tactical communication for these processes and significantly reduce waste in the process.

Not everyone involved in the event felt the processes were particularly broken, and some felt they were too broken to fix. However, over the course of the week eyes were opened and excitement grew over the possibility that real solutions could be reached. By the time the dust settled a total of 16 action items were established to implement countermeasures addressing the root causes the team analyzed. Among these action items was the creation of a SharePoint Procurement Dashboard, which will provide everyone with value stream maps of each of the processes, status spreadsheet for any requirements you have submitted, new templates for the various forms and examples of how one is filled out depending on the type of requirement you have and new training guides. A significant item is the creation of the Business Consultation Cell, which will activate every January and meet weekly to become the one-stop-shop for all requirements, giving stakeholders the fastest, most comprehensive starting point for submitting a requirement.

The idea is that if customers get everything right the first time, re-work will be virtually eliminated and customers will be assured their submission will move through the process quickly and smoothly. Well-prepared submissions have the maximum chance of being prioritized easily and fairly.

As the new Procurement Dashboard is built and refined you are encouraged to let them know how they can strengthen it to serve you better. The direct link to the site is https://laughlin.eis.aetc.af.mil/47MSG/47Cons/Procurement%20Dashboard/default.aspx . Currently, the Wing Priority List is available for you to check the status of end-of-year requirements you may have submitted and includes a color-coded guide at the bottom to help you properly read the status. To eliminate unnecessary phone calls and e-mails please refer to the Dashboard first. The status tools on the site are the same ones the subject matter experts use, and new data is available weekly. As each of the action items is accomplished more will be added to the Procurement Dashboard.

To find out how AFSO21 can help your processes, call 298-4712 or stop by Wing Headquarters, Room 103. Remember, if you've ever asked "Why?" then you have an opportunity to improve a process.