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Show HILL TOP TIMES Friday, August 22, 1986 Adit 0 O Force takes steps f preweinrf spreodl f AID. During the next year, military people with social security numbers ending with odd numbers will be tested during their birth months. Beginnning in September 1987, those with even numbers will also be tested during their birth months. The test will consist of a blood sample from each individual sent to Blood Systems Inc. of Scottsdale, Ariz. Blood Systems will evaluate the samples through a test called an Enzyme Linked Immune Sorbent Asay or ELISA. If that test is positive, meaning the individual may be carrying the antibodies, another test is made of the sample. If that proves positive also, a third and fourth test called a Western Blot are done simultaneously. If a positive reaction emerges, the results are given to the commander of the medical treatment facility at Hill and the military member is counseled and sent to Wilford Hall for further evaluation, according to the chief of environmental health services here, Lt. Col. James E. Dale. By Ernie Shannon Ogden ALC Public Affairs Office "Like Greeks inside the Trojan horse, the AIDS virus enters the body concealed inside a 'helper' from an infected host. In the invaded victim, 'helper' Ts immediately detect the foreign T cell. .But as the two Ts meet, the virus slips through the cell membrane into the defending cell. Before the defending T cell can mobilize the troops, the virus T-ce-ll disables it." That commentary from a recent issue of National Geographic magazine describes the almost "terrorist-like- " invasion of the body by the AIDS virus (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome). And like modern terrorism which is nearly indefensible and lethal, AIDS extracts the lives of a high percentage of people it inflicts. Nevertheless, while research grows around the country looking for a cure of the dreaded virus, defense officials, including the Air Force, have taken steps to prevent the spread of the disease within the defense community. Starting this week, active duty military at Hill AFB are being tested for the antibodies which battle the virus. The tests, while relatively simple to take, are guarded and examined under a complex system designed to reveal carriers of the antibody with as high a degree of assurance as possible. While incidence of the disease can be found in high numbers in segments of the community, Colonel Dale expects there to be few cases in the Air Force. Nevertheless, the affliction is so devastating every caution must be taken to halt the spread of AIDS. Yet, not all who test positive for the antibody will necessarily become an AIDS victim. America's AIDS epidemic cases New Deaths Federal funds spent in research 1984 1985 1986 5,406 1,220 $5.5 mil. 10,400 16,000 2,751 $108 mil. 8,000 $192.7 mil. (Source: Centers for Disease Control, Department of Health and Human Services) "There is a spectrum of disease here," Colonel Dale said. "You may be someone with hardly no disease at all to someone with acute AIDS and a body riddled with infection." In this, the fifth year of the AIDS epidemic, after more than 10,000 deaths, the disease remains a mystery. Its ability to penetrate the body and destroy the immune system before the defense can organize and attack the virus is little understood. "Above all, the tests are designed to help those that might be in danger from the disease. Detection will not affect a military member's status," according to Colonel Dale. "Rather, the individual will be given whatever help is necessary and only in the case of a seriously ill patient will a discharge be given and that will be a medical discharge," the colonel said. Zero Overpricing: It's money in the bank By Nelda Simmons Directorate of Competition Advocacy Many Air Force personnel, both military and civilian, have become involved in the Zero Overpricing Program. The purpose of the ZOP program is to reduce overpricing of Air Force acquisitions and to furnish a means for all Air Force personnel to become involved in promoting more efficient use of funds. In addition to saving the Air Force and the taxpayer money, many challengers have received monetary and commendation awards for their efforts. Although not all ZOP challengers merit award consideration, those which are well thought out and suggest proposed corrective actions stand the best chance. Several recent awards made as a result of ZOP challengers have resulted in significant monetary awards. The responsibilities, policies and procedures governing the ZOP program are in AFR 400-1The Directorate of Competition Advocacy (CR) at Ogden Air Logistics Center is the Zero Overpricing focal point for receipt and processing of all Hill AFB and tenant organization challenges. When a ZOP challenge is received by CR, it is reviewed for compliance with AFR 400-1- 7 and a notice is sent to the challenger advising them of the anticipated date when a full evaluation will be completed. The length of time it takes to complete a full evaluation depends on several factors. If the item challenged is managed by another ALC or branch of the service, the process can be rather lengthy. If, however, the item is managed at Hill, a response can be expected within 30 to 45 days. Another factor which influences the time it takes to process a challenge is how well it has been documented by the challenger. There should be sound basis for a challenge. While intuition may suggest a price is too high, the person who must resolve the challenge needs factual information. With more information, CR is able to respond sooner. Challengers are encouraged to consult with other knowledgeable persons to develop this information. Individuals who use the material purchased by the government are in the best position to identify overpricing. The knowledge of technical orders, the use of an actual substitute item, or the local manufacture of an item can place the user in an excellent position to identify an overpricing situation. As an example, the govern 7. omigi tyjSj 3 Check your address not Military "', received leave personnel who have on time advices and earning statements or net pay may have the wrong organization or office noted on these documents. Members should verify that both items are correct on their next statements. If they are not, contact your orderly room and have them prepare an AF Form 2095, AssignmentPersonnel Action, to correct the information. The form should then be mailed to Military Personnel, 2849 Air Base GroupDPM. For more information, call TSgt. Frank L. Dye, Ext. 71851. 3 C Comifieir&H's Editorials . . Action Line . Police Blotter ment could be buying an item from a contractor unaware that the item is actually manufactured by a subcontractor. A user may see the original manufacturer's marking on the item and realize the spare was fabricated by a subcontractor. A resulting ZOP challenge could place the government in a position to procure the item directly from the actual manufacturer resulting in a direct cost savings. Once an item which appears to be ..... . page . Around the Hill Sports .page .... ........... 1046. , When responses to ZOP challenges indicate some positive action was taken, the base Zero Overpricing committee will review the cases in order to determine whether if the individuals submitting the challenge should receive tangible or intangible benefits. Wrhen overpricing is detected and corrected as a result of a ZOP challenge, the monetary award is based on the total actual savings to the government for one year. When the item won't be procured for at least another year, an award based on intangible savings may be approved. Awards are made through the Sugges- tion Program Office. Additional information about the ZOP Program can be obtained by contacting Karen Wall at Ext. 79976. For status on ZOP challenges already submitted, call the ZOP hotline at Ext. 79999. 3 E Oops... 6 7 8 .page .page 30 .page 33 . . overpriced has been identified and the information necessary to substantiate the challenge has been developed, a ZOP referral should be submitted to the ZOP point of contact in your organization. Referrals may be submitted as letters or by using AF Form Marilyn Duffy officially took over as division chief on Aug. 1, replacing Boyd Thurgood. who was temporarily assigned deputy director of the Directorate of Maintenance. A story in the Aug. 15 Hill Top Times incorrectly said she was named branch chief. We apologize for the error. |