460 CES executes first IDP under new AF regulations

by Staff Sgt. Nicholas Rau
460th Space Wing Public Affairs

12/4/2012 - BUCKLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- The 460th Civil Engineer Squadron was the first organization in the Air Force to execute the newest Installation Development Plan under the recently changed Air Force regulations.

The IDP can be looked at as a "Vision for Buckley," explained Mary Jane Brady, 460th CES installation community planner. It aims to guide the bases development during the coming years.

However, an endeavor this size does not come without significant effort, work hours and coordination with many agencies.

"The effort was extensive," said Brady. "There are, in essence, three phases and products to the installation master planning process: phase one, the installation vision plan; phase two, numerous area development plans; and phase three, the IDP.

"The IMP products, produced during each of the phases, are developed through a public workshop process that are normally about a week long and require not only government personnel input, but involvement from local public, private offices and individuals. Coordinating the logistics for bringing all necessary stakeholders together is a concerted effort," stated Brady.

According to the Aurora Chamber of Commerce, Buckley has infused more than $1 billion into the local community. This means city leaders and stakeholders are crucial to the execution of the future plans.

"Community involvement is central to the success of the IMP process," said Brady. "The community has a vested interest in the viability of Buckley AFB and wants to be involved in the development and future success of the installation."

All of this planning would be useless without direction and a clear-cut goal. During the process, Brady made sure to define the future vision of the installation in order to complete a plan that would benefit all parties involved.

"The IMP is the most accurate vision and implementation plan that Buckley and the Air Force has ever had," stated Brady. "The vision plan specifically defines objectives with executable goals for the future development of the installation. The area development plans implement those objectives and goals through proven urban planning techniques and methodologies.

"The IMP products are the roadmaps for a sustainable future and mission viability," she added.

Just as the old saying goes, "it takes a village to raise a child," this Air Force first IDP could not have been accomplished without the support of all the partners that made it possible, explained Brady.

"The support for this effort has been overwhelmingly positive," said Brady. "Air Force Space Command, the Buckley Air Force Base partners, the City of Aurora, Arapahoe County, the Colorado Department of Transportation, Aurora Public Schools, and RTD staff and officials have participated and added valuable perspective.

"Across the 460th Space Wing, personnel including staff and leadership have sacrificed countless hours to ensure a successful plan outcome. Finally, (Col. Daniel Dant, 460th SW commander), and his staff have unwaveringly provided the leadership, vision, encouragement and resources to realize the first IDP in the Air Force."