From the Crows' Nest

Long Overdue: The Case for Reforming DOD’s PPBE Process, Part I

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Dec 4, 2024
In a deep dive into the Department of Defense's budgeting process, researchers Jeff Kojac and Olivia Letts unpack the intricacies of the Planning, Programming, Budgeting, and Execution (PPBE) process. Kojac highlights how this decades-old system is heavily influenced by Congress, which complicates decision-making. Letts stresses that understanding PPBE is critical for stakeholders across the defense industrial base, yet few grasp its complexity. Together, they advocate for essential reforms to enhance adaptability in defense budgeting to meet modern challenges.
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INSIGHT

PPBE: A Complex Beast

  • The DOD's PPBE process, crucial for funding allocation, is often misunderstood.
  • It's a complex, legacy process affecting everyone in the defense industrial base.
INSIGHT

PPBE Timeline and Stakeholders

  • The PPBE process involves numerous stakeholders, from service secretaries to contractors, and spans years, starting 2.5 years before execution.
  • This timeline, combined with intricate steps and governing regulations, adds layers of complexity.
INSIGHT

Congressional Influence on PPBE

  • Congressional involvement, particularly from appropriators, heavily influences PPBE, adding another layer of complexity.
  • This, coupled with lobbying from the defense industrial base, leads to intricate budget details and constraints on spending.
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