Executive Summary
This RAND report introduces a structured assessment approach for the Department of the Air Force (DAF) to evaluate cross-cutting portfolios, such as enterprise information technology, within the Planning, Programming, Budgeting, and Execution (PPBE) process. The approach aims to improve resource allocation decisions by systematically assessing capability gaps and proposed investments. It provides a framework for ensuring investments align with strategic priorities and address critical or urgent needs.
Why It Matters
This document is crucial for defense analysts as it outlines a systematic methodology for optimizing resource allocation within the DAF, directly impacting future military capabilities and strategic readiness. Understanding this framework helps in anticipating how the Air Force prioritizes and funds critical programs, especially those that are cross-cutting and often underfunded.
Key Takeaways
- The DAF's PPBE process struggles with prioritizing cross-cutting portfolios (e.g., EIT) due to their indirect operational support, leading to potential underfunding.
- RAND developed a five-step assessment approach to systematically evaluate capability gaps and investments, ensuring traceability and defensibility in budget requests.
- The approach emphasizes assessing whether capability gaps are in-scope, critical, and urgent, and if investments are supportable and strategically aligned with DAF priorities.
Strategic Relevance
This report provides a critical framework for enhancing the DAF's resource allocation process, directly influencing its ability to develop and sustain capabilities vital for national security. By improving the prioritization of cross-cutting portfolios, it ensures foundational elements like IT and infrastructure receive adequate funding, which is essential for overall strategic readiness and operational effectiveness.