Navigate the complexities of Washington, D.C., with Serco's specialized "How Washington Works" training program. Our courses, delivered by seasoned experts with firsthand experience, provide actionable insights for industry, government and military audiences. We equip military and civilian professionals with the essential knowledge of requirements, acquisition and budgeting. Gain a competitive edge and enhance your mission effectiveness, whether you're a new action officer, a defense industry leader or a senior executive.
Individual How Washington Works course content is developed by including one or more of the following training modules
Capabilities-Based Planning/JCIDS: Examines how the DOD determines its requirements for major systems and capabilities. The training module explains the functions of OSD, the Joint Staff, and service organizations and respective activities related to the capabilities-based planning process and 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. Key players and organizations are routinely updated and information on reorganizations and process re-engineering keep the course content relevant for military and industry attendees. The course prepares attendees to not only understand capability requirements processes, but how acquisition and planning, programming and budgeting relate as well.
Acquisition: Provides an overview of the organizations and processes associated with the DOD 5000 series acquisition regulations and acquisition reform initiatives, contrasting theory from practice.
PPBE: Explains how the DOD budget is developed and how the Services function within the complex system. Each element of the Planning, Programming, Budgeting, and Execution process is examined in detail, highlighting the process and the roles of war fighter, service staff, Joint Staff, Congress and industry partners. The course emphasizes the influential role of key individuals, offices and behind-the-scenes dynamics.
- Working with Congress: Provides an overview of the Congressional committee structure affecting DOD program and budget reviews and explores specific case studies to illustrate the power of politics and personalities in affecting multi-billion-dollar programs.
- Services: Individual Navy, Marine Corps, Army, Air Force and the Space Force modules explain the service-specific programs that implement requirements generation, acquisition, and budget processes. Key service organizations are examined. Service senior leadership guidance and priorities are reviewed.
- Special Operations Command: Provides an overview of the U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) organization, missions, and unique requirements, budget acquisition processes.
Basic DOD Contracting: Provides an introduction (or refresher) for understanding the DOD Contracting System. This module is designed to assist vendors looking for a first contract or a veteran government contractor in improving understanding of the government competitive processes, how current policies impact contract type, how the government evaluates and selects the winning proposal, understanding how contract performance assessments impact source, and how to improve relationships between the company and a federal contracting entity. It is not intended specifically for contracting professionals.
Federal Cyber Familiarization: The module provides an introductory level familiarization of cyberspace and cyberspace management by the Executive Branch and discusses the roles and organizations of the Executive Office of the President (EOP), National Security Agency (NSA), Department of Defense (DoD), Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and the services (among others) and the new DoD and DHS Cyber Defense Strategies, and continuing collaboration reducing risk to the .mil, .gov and .org domains.
Gain a competitive edge in areas like AI, cyber and autonomy by learning how to navigate DoD funding and acquisition processes.
How Washington Works - essential education on driving change and moving programs forward in Washington
You will learn:
- What are the Big Three decision processes that the DoD, the Administration, and Congress employ to determine policy priorities, establish programs, and allocate funding?
- Who are the Key Players who influence which programs and weapons systems become a reality, from the program offices in the various services to the elected officials and staffers on the Hill?
- How can foreign allies access American military hardware and expertise to advance their security objectives?
- What is the state of acquisition reform in the DoD, and what are the mechanisms to get game-changing technologies into the hands of warfighters?
The course is typically composed of the following training modules:
- Capabilities-Based Planning/JCIDS
- Acquisition
- Planning, Programming, Budgeting and Execution (PPBE)
- Working with Congress
- Military Services, including Space Force and USSOCOM
- Basic DOD Contracting (upon request)
- Federal Cyber Familiarization (upon request)
Click here to inquire about scheduling and customization of the Serco "How Washington Works®" course for your organization
