Secretary of Defense introduces new efficiency contest Published Aug. 27, 2010 By Erin C. Conaton Under Secretary of the Air Force WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Secretary Gates is asking all DoD military and civilian employees for their ideas on how the Department can be more efficient and effective. The Air Force strongly supports the Secretary's overall campaign for greater efficiency. Each Airman is encouraged to submit ideas for consideration at www.defense.gov/invest. Ideas both small and large are welcome, and they can be for Air Force, another component, or a Department as a whole. Only active duty, reserve component, and civilian personnel are eligible to participate. This year's contest is from Aug. 9 to Sept. 24. By Oct. 15, each military department will forward the top twenty five INVEST idea awards to DoD. On Oct. 31, DoD will announce the final twenty-five award winners from the aggregate collection of ideas they received from all components. Award winners will receive cash awards ranging from $500 to $1,000. All Airmen are invited to take advantage of this opportunity to offer their best ideas. All ideas will be evaluated without names attached, so please be candid. An important reminder to all is that classified information should not be included in any submission.