|
|
Fulford received $1062.04 for coming up with a plan that could potentially save the Navy a total of $24,136.00 over a two-year period. His idea was to reuse pipe fittings that normally get thrown away in the welders' recertification process.
Under the current procedure, each fitting is thrown away after being used to weld a pipe to a joint. However, these fittings have two usable ends that could be reused for subsequent qualifications. Surprised at the price of keeping welders qualified Fulford recommended a program to cut the joints at the weld and reuse the other end of the pipe and fitting.
"I could not believe the hundreds of dollars it costs just to keep one welder qualified especially after multiplying it by the 56 welders stationed here at the base," said Fulford.
Additionally, the Navy could save even more by reducing the standard eight inches of pipe currently used to four inches. There are no directives specifying the pipe needs to be eight inches, yet this is the current standard.
Fulford's proposal will not only save money, but will use less material and eliminate much of the waste generated during this process.
The Military Cash Awards Program (MILCAP) is a special incentive awards program designed to find new ideas to effectively increase performance within the Navy. It provides recognition awards of up to $25,000.
MILCAP rewards personnel for beneficial suggestions, inventions and scientific achievements. Additional awards may be presented if an idea or recommendation is adopted and used. Fulford may receive an additional monetary award from Commander Submarine Force (COMSUBFOR) if his idea is adopted by other commands under COMSUBFOR's cognizance.
