Innovators throughout Edwards AFB welcome new subject matter experts to their XCITE Panel to begin the FY23 Airman Pitch Process

  • Published
  • By Adam Bowles
  • 412th Test Wing Public Affairs

Innovators throughout Edwards Air Force Base, California, welcome new subject matter experts to their XCITE Panel to begin the FY23 Airman Pitch Process, 17 Oct.

The XCITE (SME) Panel is a subject matter expert panel of NH-IV or equivalent with technical/functional expertise that:               

*Evaluate Airman pitches and vote on whether to resource

*Advise 412 TW Innovation Team on key strategy

*Ensure good stewardship of 412 TW Innovation funds

*Support 412 TW Innovation Team in maintaining/refining established processes

*Provide guidance to innovators in getting to “Yes!”

In FY22, XPOI, the Wing Innovation Department, dedicated resource advisors, and base contracting, completed 100% execution of the $1.4M Innovation Budget on 25 Airman-Led Innovation Projects. The Airman Pitch Process for FY23 starts again 17 Oct.

Every Monday at 1400 on MS Teams, Airmen can bring their requests to the XCITE (SME) Panel to request resource approval (e.g. funding, leadership buy-in, or facilitation assistance from XPOI).

"Innovation is all about having an open mind to improve the future for our Airmen," Mr. Anthony Zutten, Criminal Indexing and Investigations Specialist explained. "Being able to pitch your ideas to the XCITE panel allows open communication to various levels of leadership throughout the 412 TW. Expediting these ideas through the chain has the potential to save time, money, and lives! I couldn't be more excited to bring TruNarc's technological capabilities to our local law enforcement units."

Airmen are asked to work with Innovation coaches from XPOI or their assigned Group POC to develop their pitch (e.g. problem, solution, return on investment, and investment required) and then pitch to the panel for approval/support.

Contact XPOI, Britney Reed, Rebecca Kern, James “Spencer” Jernigan or your Innovation - Group POCs - All contacts (dps.mil) for assistance.