Air Force Medical Service (AFMS) “Engine Room”

The Client
U.S. Air Force Surgeon General's Office

The Challenge
The Air Force Surgeon General's Medical Planning and Programming Directorate requires assistance to provide Medical Planning & Programming "Engine Room" support. This task includes the development of a system for tracking changes through the Planning, Programming, Budgeting, and Execution (PPBE) process to include the development of the plan, execution of selected solutions, development of supporting budget documentation, and integration of the programming process within the planning and programming cycle. This work includes developing processes for improvements in identifying mission needs, converting needs to specific requirements, educating staff and developing specific solutions.

The Solution
We proposed a task structure that was approved prior to implementation for supporting the execution of the AFMS Medical Planning and Programming activities.

• We support the operation of the AFMS Corporate Structure process by providing program management and a framework for vetting AFMS senior leadership decision-making.
• We team with our customer to complete strategic planning; PPBE guidance; solution development; budget process support; and program management and training. The major aspects of this work include:
• We serve as Process Program Manager to the AFMS Group and Council to include support for regular and ad hoc meetings as required by the corporate process.
• We ensure appropriate coordination, and support as necessary for Panel, Program Element Monitor (PEM) and Panel Chair meetings.
• We support the AFMS Corporate Structure and provide analysis and administrative support to the six panels. We implement and maintain a centralized corporate decision support system and database to document and track progress.
• We integrate cross panel initiatives.
• We facilitate strategic planning efforts for the Surgeon General's office and organization/special group within the AFMS.
• We perform Special Studies as requested.
• We provide CB PPBES training to SG Air Staff and MAJCOM personnel.
• We support AF/SG principals in the provisions of parallel support to the AF Corporate Structure (AFCS) for centrally managed programs.

The Results
By focusing on the customer's needs, we have not only performed according specified requirements in the statement of work for this project. We have, in fact, become full partners with our client in continually improving the AFMS' medical planning and programming processes and organizational structure.

Our team has been instrumental in the development and refinement of the corporate decision process that in place and in practice today. We have become trusted advisors and "go to" implementers for our client.