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Introduction The Air Force Management and Equipment Evaluation Program (MEEP) is an innovative program designed to promote testing and acquisition of commercially available equipment (e.g., tools and vehicles) in support of transportation and civil engineering missions. MEEP supports all active duty bases, as well as Air National Guard and U.S. Air Force Reserve units worldwide. Governed by Air Force Instruction (AFI) 24-305, "Management and Equipment Evaluation Program," the MEEP Management Office (MEEPMO) is headquartered at Eglin Air Force Base (AFB), FL. MEEP Field Activities are also conducted at Langley AFB, VA; Randolph AFB, TX; and Elmendorf AFB, AK. Fully operational Field MEEP Activities are also located at Langley AFB, VA and Randolph AFB, TX. MEEP allows the Air Force to "test drive" a diverse array of state-of-the-art products before spending tax dollars to acquire equipment that may not be suited to military use. In this "Try-Before-You-Buy" program, manufacturers provide products to the Air Force, at no charge, for testing and evaluation in the shops where the items would normally be used. Although the program focuses mainly on products related to transportation and civil engineering activities, interest is increasing on items that address environmental issues at the base level.
What MEEP Can Do For You Acting as a bridge between industry and the Air Force, MEEP strives to promote excellence in the work place, total environmental compliance and operational readiness. Through field evaluations, MEEP identifies more effective and economical tools, equipment and vehicles, thus enhancing Air Force transportation and civil engineering performance, productivity, pollution prevention, and environmental compliance. The equipment selected for evaluation is tested in the field by AF personnel who can best attest to the product's possible benefits.
Proposing Products to be Tested As stated in AFI 24-305, MEEP ranks projects according to their potential for improving productivity, performance, efficiency, and environmental protection within the transportation and civil engineering communities. MEEP personnel are constantly on the lookout for new products to test by perusing trade shows, manufacturers' brochures, and industry publications. Bases, major commands and manufacturers may also propose products for MEEP testing. "We're looking for anything that has the potential to enhance day-to-day operations," says Mr. Jacob Detweiler, Chief, Air Force MEEP. Environmental Projects proposed for testing are coordinated with the Air Force Center for Environmental Excellence (AFCEE).
Any Air Force transportation or civil engineering activity can submit a proposal to evaluate a product under MEEP. The product must be readily available on the commercial market and have reasonable potential to improve either transportation or civil engineering (including environmental) procedures. Proposals for projects should be channeled to MEEPMO through the installation's parent MAJCOM civil engineering or transportation authority. Additional guidance on how to prepare and submit a proposal is found in AFI 24-305, which can be downloaded from Products selected for MEEP testing are tracked to ensure they are fully used and tested during the evaluation period, which can last from 6 months to more than 2 years. As many as five bases may test a product at the same time. Upon evaluation of testing data, the Air Force approves only those products that allow personnel to complete tasks faster, better, or more efficiently than products currently being used. At the conclusion of the project testing period, the item is either returned to the manufacturer or, in some cases, purchased by the testing unit.
Sharing the Results The MEEPMO is responsible for preparing and distributing MEEP periodic status reports every two or three months. The status reports are divided into three parts: Part I describes projects that are undergoing testing; Part II describes projects that have completed testing, but are still undergoing data evaluation; and Part III describes completed projects. Each part is further broken down by area of interest. Categories include civil engineering, transportation, environmental and "other." MEEP status reports explain both good and bad aspects of a product, helping base personnel decide if an item fits their specific needs. The latest report can be reviewed or downloaded from http://www.il.hq.af.mil/ilt/. The report is also available via e-mail upon request from MEEPMO. The data produced by the testing is shared with all Federal agencies and is used by MEEPMO to recommend the adoption or non-adoption of the tested item by the Air Force. If a newly tested product is superior to something already in the Air Force inventory, the new item is usually selected to replace the less advantageous one. If a product is acceptable and eligible for stock number assignment, formal paperwork is submitted by MEEPMO. Otherwise, bases wanting to purchase the product must use established local purchasing procedures. When all testing and analyses have been completed, MEEPMO also sends a final report to the manufacturer stating the testing results.
Examples of Recently Completed Environmental Projects Summarized below are selected examples of recently completed MEEP projects. Inclusion of a product in this list does not constitute an endorsement by PRO-ACT. For copies of MEEP status reports, contact PRO-ACT or MEEPMO. Bio Parts Wash System - The "Smartwasher," made by Chemfree Corp., was evaluated. The system, intended for automotive parts washing, uses oil and grease degrading enzymes which make the unit self-cleaning. The system performed successfully and was submitted for cataloging/NSN assignment. Aqueous Cleaning Fluid Recycle System - The Model MARS 1 Modular Aqueous Recycling System made by MEMBREX, Inc. was evaluated. The product is a portable unit used to clean and recycle water-based parts-cleaning solutions by using a series of filters. Based on successful test results, this type of machine is recommended for Air Force use and can be procured through local procurement procedures. Portable Paint Prep Station - The "Duster Downdraft 3000" made by Island Clean Air, Inc. was evaluated. The product is a fully portable dust remover capable of diverting particulates generated from vehicle sanding & cleaning operations in a maintenance shop before it enters a worker's breathing zone. The unit was judged to be ideal for shops with small, enclosed prep stalls with low ceilings. The unit can be procured through established local procurement procedures. Oil Filter/Metal Can Crusher - The Model HSS4 3515 "Kruncher" made by Enviro Care Kruncher Corporation was evaluated. The machine is designed to extract the maximum amount of oil from filters and to create dense bricks of crushed metal (steel, aluminum) suitable for recycling. Based on test results, the Kruncher, or equipment of equal quality and design, is recommended for Air Force use and is available through established local procurement procedures. Aqueous-Based Parts Washer - The Model A-50 Water-based Parts Cleaner made by Kleer-Flo Co. was evaluated. The product, intended for cleaning automotive parts, combines agitated immersion with a heated biodegradable, free-rinsing, rust-inhibiting cleaning solution. The product performed successfully and is recommended for Air Force use, this product can be procured through local purchase procedures. Recycled Plastic Wood Substitute - Trimax Plastic Lumber, manufactured by Black Rhino Recycling, Inc., was evaluated. The product is made from recycled plastic, holds nails better than wood, and does not rot. The product was used as cargo decking on a 1.5 ton truck. The use of this material was conditionally approved so long as the field unit understands its structural limitations. The various sizes of the product have been assigned NSN numbers.
For More Information For more information about the MEEP program, or to be added to the MEEP Status Report e-mail list, contact:
MEEP Management Office 201 Biscayne Avenue, Suite 2 (Bldg 613) Eglin AFB, FL 32542-5303
DSN: 872-4217 Ext. 226, 230, or 235 |