TOPIC SPONSOR: AFCEC/CB
There are numerous different processes and procedures to follow from idea creation to enterprise distribution depending on the type of innovation, development needed, programming, acquisition of, or sustainment of the innovation through the Category Management spectrum. While the current Air Force Category Management Program illustrates the responsibilities of the Category Managers, it does not clearly illustrate the process to follow for each of the 10 Categories when navigating an innovation through the respective processes or coordinating offices for enterprise distribution. Often, the lifecycle of an innovation is much shorter and faster than the development of the Future Years Defense Plan (FYDP), which leads to a lack of development funds and long-term sustainment of the innovation. Without clear processes to follow in bringing an idea from Air Force acceptance to long-term sustainment, many ideas and innovations languish before enterprise distribution, never clearing the 'Valley of Death.' What processes and procedures can help bridge this 'Valley of Death'? Consideration to doctrine, organization, training, materiel, leadership and education, personnel, and facilities (DOTMLPF) should be included in the mapped processes.