RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE, Texas –
In less time than it takes to fill out a credit card application, Darlene Daspit-Pohl was on her way to earning $10,000, just for having an idea.
In June 2007, Ms. Daspit-Pohl used the Air Force Innovative Development through Employee Awareness Program to submit an idea for reducing the cost to the government for pilots' oxygen masks.
Three weeks after her submission, the Air Force employee's idea was approved and a cash award was headed her way.
The Air Force IDEA Program routinely distributes recognition certificates and monetary awards for original ideas that benefit the Air Force. Depending on the validated first year savings or intangible benefits, the rewards can range from $200 to $10,000.
From 2004 to 2008, almost 35,000 ideas were submitted for evaluation. Nearly 50 percent of those were accepted and received personal incentive awards. This fiscal year, close to $850,000 has already been awarded for innovative ideas.
"The IDEA Web site has made it extremely easy to submit an idea," said Master Sgt. Art Hoven, assigned to Offutt AFB, Neb. To speed up the entire process, "your ... submissions should be as clear and concise as possible."
In an effort to debunk the myths surrounding the IDEA Program, both users and officials offer advice on how to make the program work for everyone.
Myth 1: I have no ideas worthy of a submission.
"Everyone has good ideas," Sergeant Hoven said. "The challenge is to find a way to sell them and work them into the master plan."
Sergeant Hoven's ideas, mostly technical order changes and aircraft modification ideas, have netted him several $200 awards.
Myth 2: The program is only for those on the flightline.
"If you have ever submitted an action line or talked with your fellow co-workers about what could legitimately be done to improve your productivity and your base, then you have valid ideas," said Nathaniel Zabel, the Innovation Programs Branch chief at the Air Force Manpower Agency. "Save the Air Force real money, and you could get real money in your pocket."
Myth 3: My idea doesn't save the Air Force money.
A proposal doesn't have to reflect an actual savings amount to be eligible for an award. Intangible ideas, such as identifying a dangerous intersection or installing proximity card readers, are frequently considered by the IDEA Program.
"While these ideas do not necessarily save the Air Force money up front, imagine what is being saved in manpower hours and frustration," Mr. Zabel said.
Myth 4: Very few cash rewards are distributed.
Since 2004, close to $10 million has been awarded to Airmen for ideas that have saved the Air Force more than $537 million. In 2008 alone, the Air Force paid out $1.4 million in IDEA awards.
Myth 5: It takes too long for ideas to be evaluated.
One of the common culprits leading to an extended evaluation period is a lack of details required to implement the idea, said Lori Sudol, an Air Force IDEA analyst.
"The clearer the information the submitter provides, the easier that submission is to evaluate," she said.
"Sometimes an idea just needs a simple re-write or some additional details to make it viable," said Karyne Berman, an Air Force IDEA Program Data System program manager. "Contact your local IDEA Program office and we can help you polish up your submission."
Myth 6: No one really cares about my ideas.
"Submitting your idea is a sure fire way to have your voice heard and possibly have an impact Air Force wide," Sergeant Hoven said. "The Air Force can't fix something if they don't know it's broken."
As the current IDEA Program heads into its 13th year, AFMA officials plan to continue integration efforts through partnership with other improvement programs, such as Air Force Smart Operations, Best Practices and Lessons Learned to streamline process improvement from the lowest to the highest levels across the entire Air Force.
"The IDEA Program is a great resource for our Airmen, especially since most people want to improve their work areas and make their job better," Mr. Zabel said.
To let the IDEA Program team hear your voice, log on to the Air Force Portal and navigate to "Featured Links" on the home page. Expand "Transformation", and then click on "IDEA-AF Suggestion Program."
For more information on the IDEA Program, visit your IDEA Program office or e-mail idea@randolph.af.mil.