AGE member earns $30k for innovation

Published May 13, 2011
By Airman 1st Class Michael Battles
60th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs

TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE,Calif. -- An aerospace ground equipment technician here was recently awarded $30,000 through the Innovative Development through Employee Awareness Program.

Robert Rayborn submitted three items into the Zero-Overpricing Program, each idea earning 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 cost 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. 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, the 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," Mr. Rayborn said. "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.