1.2_AFCOLS_Fact_Sheet.pdf

For additional information about AF COLS, please contact usaf.pentagon.af-a4.mbx.af-common-output-level-standards@mail.mil or visit the AF COLS Portal at https://cs1.eis.af.mil/sites/AFCOLS

Air Force Common Output Level Standards (AF COLS)

The purpose of AF COLS is to establish greater consistency in the delivery of Installation Support (IS) services across the Air Force. The intent is to have the same basic support services and customer expectations from MAJCOM-to-

MAJCOM and base-to-base. Currently, AF COLS addresses 41 IS functions (e.g., base Legal Support, Chaplain Corps, Facility Sustainment, etc.), and although standards are applied AF-wide, data is regularly collected from 66 bases. The data is used to assess how well bases are able to execute to the stated standards within available resource limitations.

AF COLS standardizes the quality of life for Airmen and assists leaders in identifying how programming and budgeting decisions affect each function. AF COLS also identifies potential risks to the Air Force associated with programming and budgeting decisions.

AF COLS benefit the Air Force by improving transparency across the

Service and throughout the chain of command. It is a common language that is used to communicate best value IS service delivery, establish consistent support expectations, and explain impacts of further resource limitations.

AF COLS were developed by functional experts from each of the 41 functions covered in the AF COLS program. Functional experts took into account: current Air Force standards, policies and procedures, and applicable laws and regulations. Functional experts also consulted COLS used by Joint

Bases, the Army, and Navy.

AF COLS are organized by function and consist of four tiers of service. The first tier (AF COLS level 1) provides a level of service consistent with Joint Base

COLS whenever possible. Each subsequent tier of service (AF COLS levels 2 through 4) involves less manpower and funding, but comes with increasing risks to mission accomplishment and customer support. Using Chaplain Corps as an example, AF COLS level 1 provides the full range of services currently associated with base Chaplains, but progressing down to AF COLS level 4, services are reduced and customers are limited to only those required to meet the bare minimum mission needs. HQ USAF balances available resources, risks, and desired service levels to set the AF COLS level for each of the 41 IS functions. Bases strive to meet the established service levels and will regularly report their performance using the AF COLS Reporting Tool (RT). HQ USAF continually assesses performance data and uses results to help shape future decisions and budgets.

Provide more consistent delivery of Installation Support (IS) services

Establish standard customer expectations

Better inform AF Programming and budgeting decisions

Provide bases better guidance for dealing with limited resources

Provide greater transparency of IS operations from base to HQ USAF

Why are AF COLS Important?

AF COLS 1

Highest standard (equal to joint base standards in some cases)

AF COLS 2

Slightly-reduced standard

AF COLS 3

Moderately-reduced standard

AF COLS 4

Greatly-reduced standard (Substandard services, but still meet laws and operational mission)

What are AF COLS levels?

mailto:usaf.pentagon.af-a4.mbx.af-common-output-level-standards@mail.mil https://cs1.eis.af.mil/sites/AFCOLS

For additional information about AF COLS, please contact usaf.pentagon.af-a4.mbx.af-common-output-level-standards@mail.mil or visit the AF COLS Portal at https://cs1.eis.af.mil/sites/AFCOLS

AF personnel use the AF COLS RT to report and review AF COLS performance data on a semi-annual basis. The AF COLS RT is accessed through the

AF COLS Portal, which is the website that houses information and tools to help personnel understand, communicate and utilize AF COLS. Personnel requiring access to the AF COLS RT will be given user rights to input or view data. Base personnel input performance data into the AF COLS RT. The data is visible to the Host Wing

Commander, who then reviews and approves data prior to forwarding to the

MAJCOM. Once the MAJCOM has coordinated on the AF COLS data and reviewed the data for all its bases, the data is forwarded to HQ USAF for analysis and use in decision making. Detailed training on the AF COLS RT is located on the AF COLS

Portal.

Other AF COLS resources located on the AF COLS Portal include The AF COLS Playbook provides information and guidance for the program. The Playbook also contains sections dedicated to each of the 41 IS functions. Each IS function section outlines roles and responsibilities, describes AF COLS levels 1 through 4, and discusses performance measures.

AF COLS training materials provide guidance on how to use the AF COLS RT and execute reporting tasks and activities. These materials include a detailed AF COLS RT User Guide and recorded webinars that provide step-by-step instructions on how to use the AF COLS RT.

The AF COLS Functional Communications Toolkit provides leadership with communications products and resources, such as briefing slides, fact sheets and newsletter articles, to help initiate and adapt personnel to this new program.

IS services covered in AF COLS Base Support Vehicles and Equipment Environmental Quality Fire Emergency Services

Integrated Solid Waste Management

MWR-Libraries Public Affairs

Chaplain Corps Facility Demolition Food Services Laundry and Dry

Cleaning MWR-Outdoor

Recreation Real Property and

Engineering Services

Child & Youth Programs Facility Recapitalization Grounds Maintenance Legal Support Pavement Clearance Security Services

Civilian Personnel Facility Sustainment Inspector General Lodging Pest Management Unaccompanied

Housing

Custodial Services Family Housing

Overseas Installation Emergency

Management Materiel Management

Petroleum and Cryogenics

Utilities

Cyberspace Operations and Information

Family Housing Privatized

Installation Movement Military Personnel Contracting Operations Warfighter and Family

Services

Equal Opportunity Financial Management Installation Safety MWR-Fitness Protocol

AF COLS Portal:

https://cs1.eis.af.mil/sites/AFCOLS

AF COLS Playbook:

https://cs1.eis.af.mil/sites/AFCOLS/FY 15Playbook/default.aspx

Links mailto:usaf.pentagon.af-a4.mbx.af-common-output-level-standards@mail.mil https://cs1.eis.af.mil/sites/AFCOLS https://cs1.eis.af.mil/sites/AFCOLS https://webmail.bah.com/owa/redir.aspx?C=YkFMGIt4fke1XbyGPVUAXFKmaisvjdII7D07nkmHGwoM8s1NZ-S3oytuRsv6IxqU8Iqy1BMqrww.&URL=https%3a%2f%2fcs1.eis.af.mil%2fsites%2fAFCOLS%2fFY15Playbook%2fdefault.aspx https://webmail.bah.com/owa/redir.aspx?C=YkFMGIt4fke1XbyGPVUAXFKmaisvjdII7D07nkmHGwoM8s1NZ-S3oytuRsv6IxqU8Iqy1BMqrww.&URL=https%3a%2f%2fcs1.eis.af.mil%2fsites%2fAFCOLS%2fFY15Playbook%2fdefault.aspx