Guide to Successful Pitching

Overview (What):

The pitch guide provides techniques, tools, and methods to maximize leadership buy-in and Airmen motivation to pursue innovative ideas. 

Objectives (Why):

• Define/Shape the mentality of leadership regarding the process
• Define/Shape the mindset of Airmen regarding the process
• Facilitate Airmen ownership/commitment to a problem’s solution
• Produce an AF-wide common structure for pitch events
• Capture the data to improve the process overtime

How to Guide:

Stakeholders (Who):

• Wing Leadership (Wg/Grp/Sq)
• Spark Cells
• Innovative Airmen
• Innovation beneficiaries

Resources (Time/Money):

• Time, dependent on problem being solved
• Dedicated Innovation Coaching
• Procedures
• Rubrics
• Impacted Units / SMEs

Execution Plan/Timeline (How):

1. Submit the idea

2. Address the critical questions that have to be answered:
   • What problem does the squadron need to solve?
   • How does the squadron plan to approach solving the problem?
   • What resources are needed (must include manpower/skills, workspace/facilities, materials, money)?
   • How will the materials be purchased (i.e, Form 9, GPC, GSA, etc.)?
   • What is the expected timeline?
3. Evaluate against rubric (see example) to determine improvement vs innovation
   • Risk
   • Process
   • Obstacles
   • Technology
   • Money
4. Consult Advisory Boards/SMEs and do market research such as:
   • CE
   • Contracting
   • Finance
   • Comm
   • JA
   • PA
   • Other Effected Units

Based on the innovation climate of the wing make a determination on when the pitch will occur after step 2, 3, or 4

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