Like many of the claims cried on the various campaign trails recently, the Department of the Air Force seems to have jumped onto the same bandwagon. Currently the department is experiencing an aggressive and radical transformation in the areas of acquisition transformation and supply chain management. With initiatives like the Installation Acquisition Transformation (IAT) and additions like the AF Global Logistics Support Center (AFGLSC), there is no doubt that change is the main focus for the Air Force at this time.

In a new Analyst Recap, INPUT takes a deeper look at the 2008 Hill Air Force Base (AFB) Symposium focusing on how these changes effect specific installations like Hill AFB and the Department enterprise-wide.

The requirements and initiatives of today are starting to shape the business practices and procedures for the Air Force of tomorrow. Officials are beginning to realize that a change in mentality towards organizational structure and strategic sourcing procedures is necessary to combat a shrinking workforce and tightening budget. By pursuing an enterprise-wide mindset, the Air Force is specializing the role of component organizations, like Hill AFB, and increasing the vision for satisfying the war fighter requirements. In this new mindset and structure, the vendor community is in a unique position to greatly affect these future policies through strong relationships with government. The key conclusions for industry are:

• Air Force is moving towards a more enterprise focused mindset specifically in the areas of acquisition and supply chain management
• Reform and centralization is a top priority, involving component organizations like Hill AFB
• Understanding Hill AFB's role and priorities can improve success in business opportunities
• Industry partnerships both regionally and Department wide are growing more vital

Air Force efficiency reform is only the beginning for the Department of Defense, and these initiatives and programs may impact the future of agency transformation for the entire Department of Defense. The main pain points for the Air Force, such as a shrinking workforce and budgetary tightening, are echoed through the Department of the Army and the Navy. Change is in the air at the Department of Defense; and industry must align with these changes to catch the wind.