Eglin takes first step toward IT consolidation

  • Published
  • By Capt. Charlie Grover
  • 96th Communications Group
EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  Utilizing the Air Force Way's end-of-year Quarterly Enterprise Buy (QEB) program, organizations within the wing pooled their resources together and made a large consolidated computer equipment purchase. The bulk buy included a combination of 1,400 computer desktops, monitors and laptops. It replaces old computers that are non-compliant with the Air Force's future release of the Microsoft Vista operating system. Altogether, the purchase totaled more than $725,000. More importantly, use of the QEB program increased the wing's buying power by about $342,000.

The 96th Communications Group led this project. This is but one step in the long-term, Air Force-mandated plan to consolidate IT support on the installation.

Antonio Bates, the online purchasing agent from the 96th Communications Squadron, chose specific configurations to fit the needs of each unit in the wing. Each of the computers and laptops purchased were loaded with version 1.4 of the Standard Desktop Configuration, which is the most recent release of the Air Force's standard software load. The Air Force designed SDC to provide a single-managed computer configuration to reduce costs, improve security and reduce application compatibility issues.

1,400 computer desktops, monitors, and laptops were centrally delivered and stored in a warehouse on base for mass distribution. Appointments were scheduled with each organizational custodian to orchestrate pick-up of their new systems. In one week, group personnel coordinated and distributed 236 desktops, 4 laptops and 17 monitors to five wing organizations. The team worked through record rains, flash flooding and even a tornado to deliver computers without delay. Group personnel are working with other organizations to deliver the remaining systems in a timely manner.

The 96th Communications Group streamlined the process by adding the newly purchased equipment to each unit's Air Force inventory accounts before scheduling equipment pick-up. Feedback so far on the program has been "awesome, outstanding and priceless!" Wing unit feedback described this effort as invaluable, as it saved individual equipment custodians an insurmountable amount of time.

Continuously striving for excellence, 96th Communications Squadron personnel took it one step further by developing recommended setup procedures for unit Client System Administrators. The procedures were developed to expedite the installation process and get the new equipment on-line for the end-user.

Overall, the bulk purchase saved time, money and prepared the wing for the Microsoft Vista deployment. Additionally, it postures the 96th Air Base Wing to be compliant with the Air Force's policy for IT...to "Get Current, Stay Current."

The 96th Communications Group will seek opportunities beyond the wing to capitalize on the success of this project to increase purchasing power and maximize the efficiency and effectiveness of IT resources for all of Team Eglin.