Long Overdue: The Case for Reforming DOD’s PPBE Process, Part II

Long Overdue: The Case for Reforming DOD’s PPBE Process, Part II

Author: Association of Old Crows December 18, 2024 Duration: 38:10

In part two of this special series, From the Crows’ Nest host Ken Miller brings back researchers Jeff Kojac and Olivia Letts from George Mason University Costello School of Business and its Baroni Center for Government Contracting to discuss the findings from six case studies they’ve conducted and what they ultimately recommend to reform the DOD’s PPBE Process.


The pair found that their case studies ultimately confirmed commonly held criticisms of the process: that there were delays when funding rapid development and deployment of new capabilities was needed. They ultimately issued nine different recommendations to reform the process including reducing program elements to make a more streamlined and consolidated budget, as well as amending the continuing resolution prohibition on new starts to allow program offices dealing with new requirements or new technological developments to adapt to them without having to wait until January or February of the following year. 


While the pair say the future of DOD PPBE reform is uncertain, they say that the final report has executive-level support — a note of optimism that some of these recommendations may be implemented.


To learn more about today’s topics or to stay updated on EMSO and EW developments, visit our homepage.


Tune into From the Crows' Nest for a direct line to the complex and critical world of electromagnetic spectrum operations. Produced by the Association of Old Crows, this podcast moves beyond the headlines to explore the real-world implications of EMSO on global security and technology. Each episode features candid conversations with experts, offering nuanced analysis and grounded discussions that connect policy to practice. You’ll hear timely breakdowns of how current events, legislative actions on Capitol Hill, and the annual defense budget shape capabilities and strategy. The dialogue extends to military developments from the United States and allied nations, providing a comprehensive view of the landscape. This series also serves as an audio companion to the broader Old Crow community, offering insights into key events and fostering a deeper understanding of the policy debates that define the field. For anyone engaged in or curious about the intersection of government, defense technology, and the invisible domain of the spectrum, this podcast delivers essential context and perspective straight from the source.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

From the Crows' Nest
Podcast Episodes
Live from AOC Europe 2024 in Oslo, Norway [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:35
In this episode of From the Crows’ Nest coming to you from AOC Europe 2024 in Oslo, Norway, host Ken Miller is joined by three special guests: Lieutenant Colonel Erik Bamford, Branch Chief of EW, Norwegian Armed Forces;…
Protecting Critical Infrastructure From Electromagnetic Threats [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 48:40
What is an electromagnetic event and how could it wreak havoc on military forces and critical civilian infrastructure? Are we prepared to protect ourselves from such an event? Unfortunately, no. In this area,we are far b…
So Now What? Will Ukraine Aid Make a Difference? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 58:26
In this episode of From the Crows’ Nest, host Ken Miller is joined once again by John Knowles, Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Electromagnetic Dominance (JED), and Col. Jeffrey Fischer, USAF (Ret). They discuss recent…
Software-Defined Radios Are Changing EW [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 36:42
In this episode of From the Crow’s Nest, host Ken Miller chats with Doug Thornton, the technical director of Battelle's National Security Business Unit, to learn about the role software-defined radios do – and could – pl…
Time for a Wake-Up Call [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 51:47
In this episode of From the Crows’ Nest, host Ken Miller is joined once again by John Knowles, Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Electromagnetic Dominance (JED) and Matt Thompson, AOC’s Senior Analyst to discuss current…
Navigating the New Frontiers of EW [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:03
In this episode of From the Crow’s Nest, host Ken Miller talks to Brian “Hinks” Hinkley, a retired Navy Captain and President of the Association of Old Crows. The two talk about how far the world of EW has changed in rec…
Advancing Cognitive Warfare: Unveiling Neuromorphic Frontiers [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 55:54
In this episode of From the Crow’s Nest, host Ken Miller talks to author Dr. Joseph Guerci about the evolution and outlook for cognitive electronic warfare systems. Dr. Guerci is an internationally recognized leader in r…
Everything Makes More Sense From Toulouse [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 56:58
In this episode of From the Crows’ Nest, host Ken Miller is joined from Toulouse, France, by Dr. Tom Withington and San Antonio, TX, by Matt Thompson, AOC’s Senior Analyst to discuss current events and news on electromag…
Transitioning the Compass Call Force to Next-Generation Warfighters [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:33
In this episode of From the Crow’s Nest, host Ken Miller and AOC senior analyst Matt Thompson host a panel of experts with the U.S. Air Force’s 55th Electronic Combat Group called Compass Call. Lt. Col. Jesse Palchick an…