OMAHA, Neb. - Innovation often starts with a simple idea, like an observation from someone doing the work every day who sees a better way to accomplish the mission.
A program known as Brainstorm the Castle is giving employees across the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Omaha District a platform to turn those ideas into real improvements that strengthen operations, streamline processes and support the district’s mission.
The initiative, developed by members of the district’s 2024 Leadership Development Class, is being revitalized to encourage employees to share innovative ideas that improve how the organization delivers its mission.
The program provides a structured path for employees to enter ideas into an internal SharePoint site, collaborate with innovation champions in each division, and execute the innovation that can ultimately be implemented across the district.
“Our people are our greatest strength, and many of the best ideas for improving how we operate come from the workforce itself,” said Col. Robert Newbauer, Omaha District commander. “Brainstorm the Castle gives employees a platform to share those ideas and turn them into real improvements that benefit the district and the missions we support.”
Brainstorm the Castle aligns with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ broader emphasis on innovation and continuous improvement across the enterprise. By encouraging employees at every level of the organization to participate, the program seeks to foster a culture where new ideas are welcomed and collaboration is encouraged.
People can add their ideas to the SharePoint at all phases, including an innovation not yet started, an innovation that implementation has begun and an innovation that is complete and being utilized. The key point is that the person sharing the innovation is expected to implement it.
“The goal is to create a culture of innovation and collaboration within the Omaha District to empower our employees from the bottom up,” said Nicole Cominoli, Omaha District program manager and prior Brainstorm the Castle champion. “Sometimes employees see opportunities to improve how we do things but aren’t sure where to start. This program connects them with mentors and resources that help turn those ideas into real solutions.”
The program has already demonstrated its potential to create meaningful impact.
In 2024, three Brainstorm the Castle Innovation of the Year winners were recognized at the Omaha District Annual Awards.
The cost reimbursement database team developed a centralized platform for tracking and managing expenses, streamlining audits and improving cost control for cost-reimbursable contracts. The Land Management Drone Program has been a cost-effective solution with developing a streamlined process for achieving environmental goals and providing healthy lands for our recreators. Additionally, Distributed Acoustic Sensing fiber geophysics technology and the development of the Interactive Dam Data Visualization Tool will revolutionize our ability to monitor and manage dam safety.
“Brainstorm the Castle provided a platform for us to share an idea that could make a real difference in how we manage cost reimbursable contracts,” said Corina Zhang, Omaha District special projects area engineer and a member of one of the 2024 winning teams. “It’s rewarding to see an idea evolve into a tool that directly empowers teams to execute more efficiently and effectively.”
District leaders hope revitalizing the program will encourage more employees to participate and share ideas that could shape the future of the organization.
Employees can add their innovations through the Brainstorm the Castle SharePoint site, where they can also see previous innovations and learn more about the program.
“Omaha District has a long history of innovation and problem-solving,” Newbauer said. “Brainstorm the Castle is another way we can build on that tradition and continue finding better ways to serve our partners and the nation.”