AGE member earns $30k for innovation

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Michael Battles
  • 60th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE,Calif. --  Some say a bright idea is worth a thousand words, but one Team Travis member's bright idea not only helped improve the operations of his office, but earned him a pay check.

Recently, Robert Rayborn, 60th Aerospace Ground Equipment technician, submitted three items into the Zero-Overpricing Program, which is connected to the government's Innovative Development through Employee Awareness Program. Each idea earned him $10,000.

"The Zero-overpricing program allows the working-level members to improve daily processes," said Mr. Rayborn. "Every time we identify these overpriced items it not only improves our office, but the Air Force and government."

One of the items he submitted into the idea program was a hydraulic filter, which costs the government $232.71 each, but after considering specifications needed by the Air Force, Mr. Rayborn recommended an alternate manufactur, which sold an equivalent filter for $41.30. After careful consideration from the IDEA program, Mr. Rayborn's idea was approved, saving the government an estimated $483,119 a year.

"Mr. Rayborn's ideas and modifications have really streamlined our office and processes we use," said John McKern, 60th AGE repair foreman. " He has also changed many of the ways we receive our supplies."

Between the three ideas submitted regarding filters, Mr. Rayborn saved the government an estimated $700,000 a year.

Civilians aren't the only ones who can submit ideas.

"I encourage all Airmen to be diligent and patient and discover new ways to improve daily tasks," said Mr. Rayborn. "If you think something can be improved, research it and tell someone about it. Ideas can never be implemented if nobody ever knows about them."

This idea submission was not Mr. Rayborns first over his 43-year career. He has submitted approximately three dozen ideas, earning him roughly $150,000 over the years.

In 1971, Mr. Rayborn submitted his first idea into the program, which earned him $25. Now, the IDEA program maximum payout is $10,000.

"It's not about the money, it's about the process it improves," said Mr. Rayborn. "If I look at it as getting money, nobody gets the benefits."

For more information on the IDEA program, reference Air Force Instruction 38-401 the Air Force Innovative Development through Employee Awareness Program.