Travis officials say IDEA program is under-used

  • Published
  • By Jennifer Brugman
  • 60th AMW Public Affairs
The Travis Innovative Development Employee Awareness program is not being utilized to its fullest, according to officials here. 

“Last year, 15 percent of those eligible at Travis participated in the IDEA program compared to 25 percent of AMC,” said Staff Sergeant Shawn Brown, IDEA program manager. “[That’s] not as many as there could be considering the size of the base.” 

The IDEA program is an Air Force-wide incentive program which can offer monetary rewards to people who ‘find a better way of doing business.’ 

“As information flows to our new airman and young officers about the IDEA Program, I foresee more people getting involved,” Sergeant Brown said. “I wish more people would take advantage of the program.” 

Sergeant Marc Sellers, aircraft metals technology craftsman, came up with a new way to repair a C-5 inlet cowl. Normal repair procedures took three days. Sergeant Sellers figured out a way to cut the time down to eight hours. 

“I did it to benefit a section I don’t work in,” Sergeant Sellers said. “I’m glad it worked out for those guys.” 

He received a $200 award for his idea. 

“It’s a good program,” Sergeant Sellers said. 

Others, whose ideas have a tangible monetary impact, could receive even more. 

“I would think that with so many fresh faces on this base with so many diverse backgrounds there will be people coming up with better ways of doing things,” Sergeant Brown said. “I know they’re out there.” 

He saw an idea revolutionize his former base, Lajes, Air Base. One transformer supplied power to a fourth of the island of Terceira. Someone submitted the idea of a power converter upgrade. The idea was implemented and power supply to the entire island was strengthened. 

“We want people with ideas — big or small, to participate in the IDEA program who will perhaps leave their mark on Travis,” Sergeant Brown said of the importance of the IDEA program. 

For more information, contact your unit representative or call Sergeant Brown at 424-5995.