The future of Robins Air Force Base and the steps needed to achieve that vision were the topics of discussion among base leadership and others during a workshop held at Horizons Event Center Aug. 25 and 26. 

The workshops are part of a new Air Force-wide requirement in order for Air Force Headquarters to evaluate all installations on the same level. 

"We're looking at different sides of things," said Sarah Bowen, MBI planning lead for the project. "We're identifying what's available and how it can be used in an effective way - all assets on base, such as housing, buildings, how they can support missions and the opportunity for growth." 

Outlining the proposals were members of the Michael Baker International consulting team - contractors hired by Air Force Civil Engineer Command. The team visited Robins as part of the Installation Development Plan - a series of assessments and ideas aimed at ensuring Robins is equipped to handle the changes and challenges in the years to come. 

The team prepared a map with the entire installation broken up into districts or workable pieces, said Theresa Norris, 78th Civil Engineer Group planning section chief. 

The drafted mission statement marked a step in an evaluation which began in March with MBI collecting data and conducting interviews with base leadership. 

"This is going to be a document that tells us our capabilities," said Norris. "The feedback has been positive." 

Aside from MBI's team of three, a representative from the Army Corps of Engineers, the group responsible for overseeing the project, was also on hand. 

With a focus on property, including facilities, computer systems, even pavement and roads, the team proposed several goals that will tie into the plan, Bowen added, such as improved efficiency and sustainability of base utilities. 

The workshop examined quality-of-life assessments for the purpose of attracting the best people through a variety of services like base dining facilities, recreational activities and flexible working hours, including the possibility of four-day workweeks which could aid employees while saving energy. 

Other goals pertained to using the base's existing resources to improve environmental sustainability and areas of education to support mission training. 

The plan's first draft also called for designs to ensure resiliency and flexibility for future endeavors, ideas that may change as different phases of the IDP are completed. Bowen said the plan is due for a 35-percent submission to Robins in October with an overall completion date expected next March. 

"Things change," said Bowen. "It's hard to play fortune teller because knowing what to expect is hard to do, but we can make sure we're prepared."