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Program rewards good 'IDEAs' with cash

  • Published
  • By John Clarke
  • 375th FSS/FSMM (IDEA Program Manager)
SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. --  Have you ever had an idea you thought would improve the Air Force and save money or resources? Did you know the Air Force has an incentive awards program that pays up to $10,000 for these good ideas? If you answered yes to either of these questions, why haven't you submitted your IDEA?

But, before you run to your computer to submit all the ideas you can think of, make sure you research, format and provide as much documentation on how your idea will benefit the Air Force as possible.

Researching is a very important beginning to the process of submitting an idea. The IDEA Program Data System (IPDS) provides a list of previously approved and disapproved ideas. You can search the Idea Pool on the IPDS system and enter a word or phrase to find any duplicate ideas. To enter the IDPS system, login into the Air Force Portal, from there, select AF IDEA Program from the drop down box under "Transformation Links" in the "Air Force Links" tab. This will link you to the IDEA Community of Practice. Click on "Submit an Idea," this will take you to the IDPS.

Only ideas that have been approved or disapproved are displayed. If a duplicate idea already exists, subsequent ideas are ineligible. Once you have established that your idea is original and not been submitted before, if your idea requires a separate document be submitted to approve, be sure to gain the approval prior to submitting. Now, your next task is getting your idea into the right format.

Structuring your thoughts into an understandable format is the key to presenting your idea. First, pinpoint the problem. Before you can "solve" a problem, you must have a clear understanding of what the specific problem is and what you are trying to accomplish. Next, you want to gather all the facts. After you define the problem, jot down the procedures, equipment, forms, people, volume, and time wrapped up in the area you select for improvement. Give specific numbers, time periods, and paperwork (if applicable) supporting your facts. Then, you will need to list the possible improvements.

Can the problem or operation be eliminated? Is there a cheaper, a faster, or a better way to accomplish this process? Could it be combined with another operation elsewhere? Would another time or different sequence be better? Can less expensive material be used? Is new equipment needed? Could less space be used?

Finally, think your idea through and examine your proposal open-mindedly and critically. Can you find any "bugs" in it? Can you state the most outstanding advantage of your proposal? A well organized, clear, and complete presentation of your proposal and its expected benefits is the best insurance for getting the proposal accepted. Identify the end item or functional proponent for what you suggested.

It is now time for you to submit your idea through IPDS online. Ensure you state the current method, proposed method and expected benefits within the submission to include the tangible savings within the first year of implementing the idea minus the cost of implementing the idea. Be as specific as possible and include any and all documentation you have.

For more information or help along the way, call 256-4611 or e-mail scott.idea@scott.af.mil.