The PPBE Task Force applauds the Commission’s decisive leadership, proposed solutions, and recommendations to improve the allocation of resources within the Department of Defense.
ALEXANDRIA, Va., September 5, 2023 – The American Society of Military Comptrollers (ASMC) Planning, Programming, Budgeting, and Execution (PPBE) Reform Task Force, the Association for Uncrewed Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI), and the National Contract Management Association (NCMA) today jointly respond to the Congressional Commission on PPBE Reform’s (Commission) Interim Report, which was released on August 15, 2023. The ASMC PPBE Reform Task operates in parallel with the Commission to define a set of fundamental principles and policy actions to improve the allocation of resources deemed necessary to accomplish the mission of the Department of Defense (DoD).
The ASMC PPBE Reform Task Force’s Chairman Michael Conlin released the following statement: “We appreciate the Commission’s decisive leadership in itemizing actions that can be implemented now for immediate benefit, as well as identifying a range of potential changes requiring congressional and DoD stakeholder input before the Commission makes recommendations in its final report.” He added, “The Commission’s recommendations equitably balance the interests of all stakeholders involved in the process.”
The Commission’s Interim Report provides information on their research over the past year, specifically seeking feedback on potential recommendations still under consideration. This additional stakeholder feedback and follow-on assessment will inform the Commission’s final report which is due in March 2024.
“The ASMC PPBE Reform Task Force applauds the Commission for its diligence over the past year, completing more than 560 interviews to date, gaining insight from experts in the PPBE process and related fields that include current and former personnel from Congress, the DoD, industry, academia, and research organizations,” said Conlin. “The Commission has also leveraged research performed both by its own staff and several outside research organizations. We are encouraged by the dialogue we have had between the Commission who heavily relied on the knowledge and experience of its 14 commissioners and the Commission staff.”
AUVSI’s Chief Advocacy Officer Michael Robbins stated, “Our Nation’s ability to quickly adapt and field new technologies to counter our adversaries’ rapidly evolving capabilities hinges on meaningful PPBE Reform.” Robbins added, “The Interim Report’s recommendations set a starting foundation to inject greater speed and agility into DoD’s budget, requirement, and procurement processes. Our industry members look for Congress and the Pentagon to consider these recommendations and implement change where appropriate as quickly as possible.”
“AUVSI and its industry members fully support both the Congressional PPBE Reform Committee and the ASMC PPBE Reform Task Force. It will be their combined efforts that will position DoD stakeholders and decision-makers with the necessary tools to rapidly advance our warfighter’s technological advantage,” said Robbins.
“Our community represents government and industry contracting professionals who are committed to the most efficient and effective business practices to facilitate mission delivery. We applaud the efforts and support the findings of the Commission and the ASMC PPBE Reform Task Force to find real solutions that work,” said NCMA CEO Kraig Conrad.
The ASMC PPBE Reform Task Force is reassured by the Commission’s transparency in acknowledging, “that while the current PPBE system has its strengths, significant improvements can be made.” PPBE represents a decision support system that has been the standard process for over 60 years, and it is due for modernization. The ASMC PPBE Reform Task Force encourages all stakeholders in the process to be bold in their approach and open to reform that properly balances control, transparency, and flexibility.
“We remain committed to elevating the discussion on PPBE reform, advocating for ASMC member interests, and supporting reform recommendations that meet the needs of government and industry to produce military capability for the 21st century,” said ASMC President & CEO Rich Brady.
About ASMC:
The American Society of Military Comptrollers (ASMC) is the nonprofit educational and professional organization for persons, military and civilian, involved in the field of defense financial management. It represents over 14,000 professionals in the defense financial management community, 105 chapters, and 70 corporate partners. ASMC promotes the education, training, and certification of its members, and supports the development and advancement of the defense financial management profession.
About AUVSI:
The Association for Uncrewed Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI), the world’s largest nonprofit organization dedicated to the advancement of uncrewed systems and robotics, represents corporations and professionals from more than 60 countries involved in industry, government, and academia. AUVSI members work in the defense, civil, and commercial markets.
About NCMA:
The National Contract Management Association (NCMA) stands as the premier contract management organization whose mission is to collaborate towards a globally recognized contract management profession that strengthens its nexus with related acquisition communities. Serving approximately 20,000 members in both the public and private sectors, NCMA propels the growth, advancement, and impact of practitioners through a steadfast commitment to serve through the open exchange of ideas in neutral forums.
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