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.

Course Details - The course is composed of the following training modules:

• Capabilities-Based Planning/JCIDS:  Examines the DOD, Joint Staff, and service organizations and respective activities related to the capabilities-based planning process and the January 2012 changes to the Joint Capabilities Integrated Development System (JCIDS).  Who and when to influence the capability requirements processes in each of the services is discussed.  Examples are used to highlight the processes and how it really works day-to-day. 
• Acquisition: Describes the organizations and processes associated with DOD 5000 and acquisition reform initiatives, contrasting theory from practice.  The material has been updated to include changes promulgated in the recently released interim DoD Instruction 5000.02.
• PPBE:  Explains each element of the Planning, Programming, Budgeting and Execution process in detail, highlighting the process and the roles of service staff, Joint Staff, OSD, and Congress. 
• Working with Congress:  Provides an overview of the organization of Congressional committee structure affecting DOD program and budget reviews, and explores the role of politics and personalities in affecting multi-billion dollar programs.
• Military Services:  Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps modules examine the requirements generation and justification process, PPBE process, service organization, and the individual service strategic priorities.
• Special Operations Forces:  Provides an overview of the U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) organization, missions, and unique requirements, budget, and acquisition processes.

Registrations are due no later than January 23, 2014.

*The small business category is limited to 5 seats per class. Company size must be verified when registering. Only one person per small business company will qualify for the reduced rate. Small business category registration must be completed via fax (please see above for a link to the regsitration form).

Class size for this event is 50 attendees. We will maintain a waiting list once 50 registrations have been processed.

Registration payment must be made by credit card. Registration must be completed by January 23, 2014.

The registration fee covers the 2-day course, all course materials, breakfasts, lunches, morning and afternoon snack breaks, and all day beverage service.

Cancellation, Substitution and Transfer Policy:
A $75 cancellation fee will apply to all cancellations received before January 23, 2014. Refunds will not be given for cancellations received after January 23, 2014.

Substitutions are welcome in lieu of cancellations. All cancellations and substitutions must be made in writing to kwilliams@ndia.org.