Budgeting for acquisition: analysis of compatibility between PPBES and acquisition decision systems

Abstract

The DoD employs three sophisticated systems to assist leaders in making decisions on warfighting requirements, weapons acquisition, and financing. These systems provide the DoD some of the best warfighting equipment in the world. However, the systems also exhibit dysfunction. Correction of related problems is part of Secretary of Defense Rumsfeld’s transformational initiative. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the congruence between PPBES and Acquisition decision systems. We describe these systems, the fiscal and political environment in which they operate, and ongoing transformational efforts. We suggest the systems are imperfectly articulated; therefore, friction arises and dilutes desired outcomes.