Rapid Improvement Event streamlines base access process Published Dec. 15, 2006 By J.C. Corcoran 66th Air Base Wing Public Affairs Hanscom AFB -- Those who worked at Hanscom before the Sept. 11, 2001 terror attacks remember the days when a valid driver's license was all that was required to gain access to the base. Since the attacks, however, military installations have taken on a more secure posture and have strengthened their base entry procedures. While providing greater security and protection to government personnel and resources, these processes also posed challenges to those trying to host visitors on base. Recently, a Rapid Improvement Event team reviewed base access procedures here, resulting in a streamlined procedure that anyone who hosts visitors on base must follow, said Lt. Col. John Parker, 66th Mission Support Group deputy commander. The new procedures will not only help reduce the workload of 66th Security Forces Squadron personnel, but will also reduce the need for sponsors to be at the gates to verify entry, said Tech. Sgt. Richard Minigan, 66 SFS noncommissioned officer in charge of police services. The procedures will also negate the need for issuing special event passes to enter to Hanscom by either the Vandenberg or Hartwell gates. "Our streamlining of the entry procedures should improve the process tremendously," Colonel Parker said. "Its success, of course, is dependent on each organization and sponsor following the correct procedures. "Failure to do so will delay the approval process and possibly result in an increased workload, which is what we are trying to alleviate," Colonel Parker said. Requirements for large events held at base facilities: -- The base host (any assigned individual currently holding authorized credentials such as a Department of Defense identification card) will be required to submit a complete proposed Entry Access List to the Hanscom Visitors Center. -- The EAL, developed either on a spread sheet or a word processing document, must contain: the name, date, time and location of the event; the name of the organization sponsoring the event; and an alphabetized by last name listing of all expected guests who do not have a valid identification card or pass. -- In addition, primary and alternate points of contact must be designated and their cell phone numbers must be listed for security personnel to call if needed. Designated POCs must be individuals who already possess DoD identification. "In the event a visitor arrives at the gate whose name is not on the events list, our personnel will make every attempt to contact that POC listed on the EAL." Sergeant Minigan said. "If we can't reach that individual, or the alternate, then our only alternative is to deny that person access to the base," he said. EALs should be forwarded to the Visitors Center at least 48 hours prior to the event, Sergeant Minigan said. Failure to meet the delivery deadline will require the approval of the 66th Mission Support Group commander. Incomplete or illegible submissions will be returned to the POC to be corrected. Other base access situations: Not all base access procedures will be affected by the RIE changes, however. The entry procedures for personnel with valid DoD identification, who utilize rental cars will not change. These personnel will still need to present their rental agreement and ID card when entering the base. The entry procedures for commercially plated vehicles and delivery vehicles will also remain unchanged. These vehicles must continue to enter through the Vandenberg gate, Sergeant Minigan said. To help ensure smooth deliveries, base personnel should, when purchasing large items that require a delivery truck, advise the vendor that deliveries must be made though the Vandenberg gate. Housing residents expecting delivery of goods from off base businesses should notify the Hanscom Visitors Center and provide their contact information along with the name of the company making the delivery. Organizations and individuals with questions regarding base access procedures should contact the Hanscom Visitors Center at (781) 377-4260.