Space Optimization guidelines for Malmstrom

  • Published
  • By Kelly Vogel
  • 341st Civil Engineer Squadron
MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. --  Malmstrom has been directed by the Air Force and subsequently Air Force Global Strike Command to reduce infrastructure 20 percent by 2020 and energy consumption by 3 percent. Currently we spend approximately five million dollars on utilities or in others words over $26K per day. With continued cuts in funding we all need to work to conserve what dollars we receive as well as meet the AF directive.

While energy conservation should be performed by everyone each day, the goal is to reduce the overall installation foot print and to fit the authorized space of the user in order to reduce the cost spent on utilities and recurring maintenance. The way to meet this goal is for everyone to work together so all space requirements will be met. Remember, this base used to have two Wings. The overall footprint has not changed much over the years, so many of us are in buildings that are severely underutilized by AF guidelines.

To help work towards this goal, the 341st CES has been assigned the duty to determine how to consolidate space and then demolish unused facilities. Termed Space Optimization, facilities are targeted based on current use and functionality, a more subtle location is determined while maintaining individual unit missions, and then a program is built to consolidate units using Air Force authorized standards. This program is a daunting task since 20 percent of Malmstrom amounts to a little more than 600,000 square feet.

While this plan is being developed and executed there will be times where units need to work temporary space or more permanent changes based on mission change. To do this, a process has been established to deal with continued changes while 341st CES works through the consolidation.

Submit all move requests to the 341st CES Customer Service office (regardless of size) to ensure the database remains accurate and to reduce miscommunication. To move, a space request package must be submitted containing:

1.) Work Order Request (AF Form 332)
          a.) The work order request must address the space requested and any work that needs to be performed.
2.) Space Request Worksheet (obtained from 341st CES/CEAOR) 
          a.) Authorized space is based on approved current manning and does not include unfunded positions in accordance with AFH 32-1084, Facility Requirements

Approval of a space request can take more than six months. Each temporary space request is to be approved by the Space Optimization Working Group (chaired by the Base Civil Engineer with each Group Deputy as a voting member) and a permanent move is to be approved by the Facility Board (chaired by the wing commander). When switching to a new space, the keys must be checked out from the CE Real Property office.

For any questions or concerns about space, call 731-6209.