A good IDEA could mean money in the bank

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Olufemi A. Owolabi
  • 47th FTW Public Affairs
LAUGHLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  Have you ever caught yourself muttering the words, "if I was in charge here, I'd change things?"
Well, the Air Force IDEA program gives you the chance.

The program provides cash incentives for both military and civilian employees to contribute to the mission by promoting the improvement of work processes and savings of valuable Air Force resources.

IDEA, or Innovative Development through Employee Awareness, is constantly looking for individuals to step up and submit ideas. In addition to submitting as an individual, members can also team up to submit an idea.

"I think sometimes people forget the program is there, and often people are reluctant to submit ideas because it takes some work and prep time," said Dona Posey, Laughlin IDEA program manager. "Many of us feel we're too busy for that. Sometimes the online program where submitters input their ideas can be a challenge. But I have the opportunity to help as much as the submitter needs help."

Perhaps the best part is if Laughlin members have any idea for submission, they never have to do it alone because the Laughlin Manpower office staff offer will help.
Mrs. Posey, who has been Laughlin's Idea Program Manager for about a year now, has gained some insight into what works and what doesn't.

Forty-four ideas have been submitted with 28 being approved since she began managing the program in January 2006.

"There is a way to put your idea in writing that will give it the best possible chance of approval, Mrs. Posey explained. "The icing on the cake is that approved ideas pay you cash, up to $10,000, if you can show enough tangible dollar savings."

Furthermore, she offers some tips to get members ready in order to submit ideas.

-- Focus on what you know best.
-- Respond to a situation that needs improving.
-- Get all your facts together.
-- Analyze the facts; then highlight the best solution.
-- Gather supporting information like price comparisons or spreadsheets.

Every idea should include these three key sections:
1) A clear explanation of the present method
2) An explanation of the proposed method and rationale for why it's better, and
3) The expected benefits to the Air Force.

From your military computer, go to Laughlin's web page at https://home.laughlin.af.mil/ and select IDEA from the menu on the left. New users must set up an account. Common Access Card (CAC) log on is required.

Sometimes ideas require you to attach documents that help explain your idea or prove the projected cost savings. The more you can include to prove your point, the better.

Once you hit submit, Laughlin's Manpower office determines whether the idea is eligible, usually within a few hours. Then it's on to the evaluator, a functional expert in your field. You will be notified every step of the way via email on the status of your idea.

"When I took over this process, it took over 30 days from beginning to end. Through making the IDEA Program more user friendly, we have reduced processing time to less than two weeks, Mrs. Posey said. "Often delays occur in the amount of time it takes a functional expert to evaluate ideas, because of the workload they already have."

Mrs. Posey urges base members to take part in the IDEA program. She said apart from getting up to $10,000, many of the approved ideas result in mandatory changes in work processes and some involve tangible dollar savings to the Air Force. Submitters have the opportunity to directly contribute to the base mission when they are willing to do the background research and share their ideas for improving operations.

For more information on IDEA program, Laughlin members should call 298-4355.