AFRL launches online library to advance digital transformation
WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio (AFRL) — The Air Force Research Laboratory launched the first Digital Accelerator for Research Transformation effort, or DART 1.0, via the internal AFRL Digital War Room during a hybrid event, June 30, 2022. DART is an online library with new products, capabilities and solutions offered to the workforce on a quarterly basis in support of the lab’s digital transformation efforts.
“DART 1.0 is an exciting first step,” said AFRL Digital Transformation Director Dr. Michael Gregg. “Delivering a consistent stream of improvements to the workforce is the path we will continue to follow. We are looking for deeper engagement with the workforce to solve their problems and deliver services they need.”
The event began with a tour of AFRL’s Aerospace Systems Directorate facilities to gain insight into the daily tempo of the operations research technical community.
“Understanding why we are placing so much emphasis on modeling, simulation and analysis and the link to capabilities-based planning is critical,” Gregg said.
After the tour, developers and engineers fielded questions and provided overviews of the products included in the initial release during a digital dialogue discussion. Dr. Pamela Kobryn, chief engineer of the AFRL Digital War Room, explained the basic premise of DART 1.0.
“As we undertake the digital transformation, everyone is really pushing to know, what is this all about, what does it mean to me, what are you going to do to solve my problems or help me out? That is what DART is all about,” Kobryn said. “In the DART release, there is a collection of different things. For us, the nirvana is when we get to a solution, meaning we have provided something and someone in AFRL has actually applied it to solve a problem.”
AFRL’s digital transformation campaign aims to streamline enterprise operations by capitalizing on the seamless integration of data and information through the use of modern methods, digital processes, tools and information technology infrastructure. The effort is part of the larger Department of the Air Force initiative.
Further information on AFRL’s digital transformation will be shared via internal AFRL communication channels including Microsoft Teams.
About AFRL
The Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) is the primary scientific research and development center for the Department of the Air Force. AFRL plays an integral role in leading the discovery, development and integration of affordable warfighting technologies for our air, space and cyberspace force. With a workforce of more than 11,500 across nine technology areas and 40 other operations across the globe, AFRL provides a diverse portfolio of science and technology ranging from fundamental to advanced research and technology development. For more information, visit: www.afresearchlab.com.
Air Force Research Laboratory Digital Transformation Director Dr. Michael Gregg, far right, and AFRL Digital War Room members, from left, Andrea Mahaffey, Dr. James Sumpter and Dr. Pamela Kobryn, with the dart board used to officially release the Digital Accelerator for Research Transformation effort, DART 1.0, to the workforce at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, June 30, 2022. DART is an online library with new products, capabilities and solutions offered to the workforce on a quarterly basis in support of the lab’s digital transformation efforts. (U.S. Air Force photo / Kati Cospy)
Dr. Michael Gregg, Air Force Research Laboratory digital transformation director, tosses a ceremonial dart to officially release the Digital Accelerator for Research Transformation effort, DART 1.0, to the AFRL workforce at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, June 30, 2022. DART is an online library with new products, capabilities and solutions offered to the workforce on a quarterly basis in support of the lab’s digital transformation efforts. (U.S. Air Force photo / Kati Cospy)
Air Force Research Laboratory Digital War Room members, from left, Andrea Mahaffey, Dr. James Sumpter and Dr. Pamela Kobryn, discuss the release of the Digital Accelerator for Research Transformation effort, DART 1.0, with “Digital Dialogue” webinar series moderator Juston Hugue, far right, at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, June 30, 2022. DART is an online library with new products, capabilities and solutions offered to the workforce on a quarterly basis in support of the lab’s digital transformation efforts. (U.S. Air Force photo / Kati Cospy)
Air Force Research Laboratory Digital War Room member Dr. John Berrigan, left, discusses the release of the Digital Accelerator for Research Transformation effort, DART 1.0, with Juston Hugue, Digital Dialogue webinar series moderator, at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, June 30, 2022. DART is an online library with new products, capabilities and solutions offered to the workforce on a quarterly basis in support of the lab’s digital transformation efforts. (U.S. Air Force photo / Kati Cospy)