How Washington Works® – Navigating the DOD

Ever wondered how the Department of Defense (DOD) goes about buying something from start to finish? The How Washington Works® training course gives those who attend the understanding and insights into the processes that guide DOD actions and decisions for the future. The course is a fast-paced, one-day overview of the three principal decision-making support systems used by the DOD to provide an integrated approach to strategic planning, capabilities needs assessment, systems acquisition, and program and budget development. How Washington Works® is ideal for those who are new to or routinely do business with the DOD. Participants will be provided the fundamental concepts and background of the Joint Capabilities Integration and Development System (JCIDS), Defense Acquisition System (DAS), and the Planning, Programming, Budgeting and Execution (PPBE) process. The course is taught by a cadre of highly qualified and experienced instructors whom have extensive prior government service (military and civilian) as well as continued expertise through ongoing consulting and technical services.

Overview of the course topics:

• Joint Capabilities Integration and Development System (JCIDS). JCIDS is the formal process used by the Joint Requirements Oversight Council (JROC) chaired by the Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (VCJCS) to identify, assess, validate, and prioritize joint military capability requirements. The course covers the capabilities-based approach used by the military Services to examine and justify the performance parameters of future weapon, C4ISR and logistics systems and their potential host platforms (aircraft, ships, tanks, trucks, etc.). The rigid documentation and approval process is covered in detail and provides insights into the process from development to final approval of joint military requirements for all military systems.
  
  
• Defense Acquisition System (DAS). DAS is the DOD management process that provides to military users effective and affordable systems in a timely manner that fulfills the capability requirements established by JCIDS. The course is based on the DOD 5000 series instructions that guide military procurement from research and development programs into stable, affordable, and well-managed acquisition programs. The defense acquisition milestones and acquisition categories are explained in detail and provide insights on the processes and implications of defense procurement.
  
  
• Planning, Programming, Budgeting and Execution (PPBE). PPBE is the phased DOD process for resource allocation to provide the most effective mix of forces, equipment, manpower, and support attainable within fiscal constraints. The course covers the front-end strategic planning that influences the military Services in the formulation of their five year spending plans all the way through to the review by the Office of the Secretary of Defense of the Pentagon budgets to be submitted to Congress. The roles of the warfighter, Joint Staff, and industry in each phase of PPBE are also highlighted.

The knowledge and experience gained from the How Washington Works® seminar course will provide participants with a better understanding and insights of the processes that guide DOD actions and decisions for the future. The enhanced understanding will improve their effectiveness in providing support to the military Services and their programs.