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Web site speeds up computer-buying process

SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. (USTCNS) --- Ordering and buying new computer hardware has become a quicker and cheaper process for Air Force people by virtue of a new Web site called Air Force Way.

AFWay is a virtual "computer store" that allows anyone with access to a computer to go on-line and search, evaluate, select and purchase hardware -- all in a single view. The computer store lists several leading information technology vendors or channel partners that offer Department of Defense pre-approved and compliant products at competitive prices.

"AFWay provides comprehensive computer shopping that allows users to configure their own PC while on-line," said Master Sgt. David McClellan, AFWay process manager at Air Combat Command, Langley AFB, Va. "People can select and view the features they desire at prices they can afford."

Once customers submit their requirements, the system then queries the computer suppliers. In a few seconds, the page displays the vendors' side-by-side comparisons ranked by cost and technology, allowing customers to make a best value selection.

The system then accepts the customers' selection and routes it to selected approval authorities. Once selections are approved for purchase, requests are electronically passed to the users' government purchase cardholders to complete the transaction. The new program requires little manual coordination, cutting the amount of time to get approval from weeks to a matter of hours.

"AFWay provides comprehensive item accountability at the point of purchase," said McClellan. "Every purchase is automatically recorded with complete coordination and approved audit trails. AFWay's design provides a single, streamlined electronic business flow for all facets of the IT lifecycle."

AFWay officially opened for electronic business last month when Col. William Lord, director of communications and information for Air Mobility Command, bought a computer package while visiting the site.

"AFWay revolutionizes the way commanders make information technology investments," Lord said. "We can meet individual needs, ensure network operability and do both faster and cheaper."

ACC's communications and information directorate operates and maintains AFWay. The site is a spin-off of ACCWay launched in 1999 that command officials built to streamline the process for purchasing hardware while eliminating manpower intensive activities and reducing lifecycle costs.

In ACCWay's first full year of operation, IT sales reached $19 million. Bulk sales for personal computers alone exceeded 6,000, with discounts reaching 29 percent, or about $300 per system.

"We expect the Air Force as a whole to reap these kinds of savings also," McClellan said.

The success of ACCWay spurred significant interest among chief information officers, contracting and financial leaders across the Air Force, prompting senior leaders to adopt the program as a service-wide program.

"AFWay was recently identified as a best-practice among federal agencies by earning the Center of Excellence for Information Technology award," McClellan said. "It also just received the Award for the Best DOD Web-Site for E-Business Implementation. AFWay is an e-business that can be integrated and used to enhance operations for all DOD agencies worldwide."

For more information about AFWay, visit the site at https://afway.acc.af.mil.

(FROM AIR MOBILITY COMMAND PUBLIC AFFAIRS)

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