# News

## U.S. Air Force LogoUnited States Air Force

# Vice Chief’s Challenge submission deadline extended

              - Published  June 18, 2020
              - Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs

**WASHINGTON (AFNS) --  **
The submission deadline for the Vice Chief’s Challenge has been extended to Aug. 7.“We launched the challenge in February with a focus on working faster and smarter, leveraging technology to give Airmen back their most important resource — their time,” said Vice Chief of Staff of the Air Force **Gen. Stephen Wilson**. “The response so far has been impressive, but I know as tragic and impactful as **COVID-19** has been to our nation, it has undoubtedly forced our Airmen and Space professionals to think critically as to how we can operate even more effectively. I’m confident we have even more valuable lessons learned and innovative ideas to accelerate the mission moving forward.”Airmen can participate in the challenge by submitting their ideas via the **Airmen Powered by Innovation** platform to solve problems related to automation or elimination of menial tasks. Additionally, peers can provide live input and vote for their favorite proposals.The API platform is accessible using Common Access Card login or by establishing a user identification and password through two-factor authentication in the directions listed below.Airmen are invited to participate in this year’s VCC to:-Identify time consuming tasks that provide the least direct value to generating combat effects-Propose innovative solutions to streamline current processes through the novel application of technology-Partner directly with Headquarters Air Force to bring Airmen’s voices to ongoing efforts, including funded participation in focus groups, solution-generation and beta-testing of cutting-edge technologies that return time to Airmen.Idea selections will be based on which projects have the broadest appeal and highest probability of delivering game-changing impact toward time savings.“Competing in an environment dominated by near-peer threats requires that we unleash our Airmen to think differently and to put their tremendous talents to use,” Wilson said. “Doing so will transform our Air Force to meet the rigorous demands of the next generation of warfare.”Wilson said to succeed in today’s emerging security environment, the Department and joint force will have to out-think, out-maneuver, out-partner and out-innovate revisionist powers, rogue regimes, terrorists and other threat actors.“While the entire staff remains focused on pursuing innovative solutions, we firmly believe that no one knows better what processes or tasks weigh on our Airmen, than Airmen themselves,” Wilson said. “We are asking for Airmen’s help in identifying and eliminating drains on their time that do not directly contribute to warfighting readiness.”Wilson said giving Airmen back the white space they need to drive innovation and build our future is a warfighting imperative.To provide ease of access to the platform from outside the AF network, Airmen are able to log in using USERNAME and PASSWORD with two-factor authentication. This will enable you to log in from mobile phone, tablet or home computer.**To set up USERNAME and PASSWORD:****1.** Install Google Authenticate OR Microsoft Authenticate on your phone**2.** Go to the API platform: **https://usaf.ideascalegov.com****3.** Click on “Login With Username and Password”**4.** Click on “Forgot Password”     **a.** Type in your Air Force email (must be a .mil email address)     **b.** This will send an email with a link to your Air Force email. (copy and paste URL – or click on it)**5.** Follow prompts to set up your password**6.** Log into the API platform using your Username (Air Force EMAIL) and your new Password     **a.** Go to two-factor authentication and scan in QR code with your authenticate app on your phone     **b.** Type in CODE from your authentication app     **c.** When you see the message, your setup is completeFor any questions – email **Ideation@afwerx.af.mil**.

 

 

 

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