Brian Wagner, MBA

New Oversight Plan Released for $174B in Ukraine Assistance The Special Inspector General for Operation Atlantic Resolve just released the FY 2025 Joint Strategic Oversight Plan, outlining how U.S. agencies will monitor over $174 billion in Ukraine-related funding. Key points include: --Over $174 billion in supplemental funding appropriated since FY 2022 for Ukraine support --Oversight focused on security assistance, diplomacy/development, and management/operations --77 planned and ongoing oversight projects for FY 2025 across multiple agencies --New website launched (UkraineOversight.gov) to increase transparency --Continued coordination through interagency working group #Ukraine #Oversight #ForeignAssistance Share Rewrite

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After thinking, "Hey! That's my idea for an article!" (...that I failed to write), I saw that Dan Hough wrote it better than I ever could! Too often US planners either assume that #AccessBasingAndOverflight (#ABO) in #Japan is assured, either because US forces have been based in Japan since the end of WWII or because Japan is closely aligned with the US in its perception of the threat posed by the #PRC across the #TaiwanStrait. While both of these things are true, ABO in Japan is one of the major operational challenges to the US #JointForce in any #TaiwanContingency. While ABO impacts all parts of the Joint Force, it is often felt most acutely by land forces, like #IIIMEF. Whether in exercises during competition or in delivering combat power during conflict, air and sea forces can adjust their operating locations outside of Japan if ABO is late-to-need. Not so with land forces. Land forces like the #Marines face two ABO-based challenges in operating from Japan, dispersing off of concentrated and fixed locations like US and #JSDF bases, and the #PriorConsultation required between the US and Japan before any combat operations are conducted from (or through or terminating in) Japanese airspace and territory. While access to private land in competition is understandably difficult (who wants a bunch of Marines and their equipment traipsing through their fields, after all!), the US and Japan too infrequently rehearse the crisis procedures to grant such access in a conflict. Such rehearsals are essential to identify #policy gaps (and solutions) to procedures that are too slow for a fast-moving crisis and also crucial opportunities for #diplomats, #policymakers, and other #alliance managers to see exactly what the ABO needs are and what the risks and opportunities are of granting such ABO in a timely fashion (or failing to do so). Policymakers are not the only beneficiaries. Tactical and operational commands can use such rehearsals to (in)validate their assumptions about authorities, develop branch plans if such authorities are limited or granted later than expected, and to gain critical insights into national decision-making processes that help tactical commands, like III MEF, ensure their requests for authorities are realistic, timely, and supported with sufficiently detailed justifications and identified risks. Dan provides an excellent summary of such matters and explores what can be done to strengthen the alliance and, in so doing, strengthen #deterrence.

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🎙️ New FEDtalk Episode: What the Presidential Transition Means for Federal Contracting! 🎙️ catch the full episode at: https://lnkd.in/dGgeuV4S Get ready for an insightful discussion as host Jason Briefel interviews Troy Cribb, Director of Policy at the Partnership for Public Service, on the impact of the upcoming presidential transition on the federal acquisition workforce and contractors. 📝 In this episode, Troy Cribb shares valuable insights from her experiences working at the General Services Administration (GSA) and in government, highlighting the critical role of procurement and contracting during a transition period. The conversation dives into:    🔑 Key dates and deadlines that agencies need to know   📑 The importance of preparing briefing materials for incoming teams   💼 How the transition impacts GovCon, contracting priorities, and industry spending   ⚖️ Compliance essentials for preventing waste, fraud, and abuse With the presidential transition fast approaching, agencies and the acquisition workforce must stay informed to ensure a smooth and efficient handover. 🎯 Key Takeaways:   1️⃣ Agencies have been prepping for months, guided by senior career staff and the Federal Transition Coordinator at GSA.   2️⃣ The acquisition workforce must be aware of potential shifts in priorities and contracting opportunities.   3️⃣ The Partnership for Public Service offers resources to support the transition for federal agencies and appointees. 👉 Tune in now to get the full story and understand what’s ahead for federal contracts and procurement during the transition! #FEDtalk #PresidentialTransition #FederalAcquisition #Procurement #Contracting #GovCon #Government #GSA #PublicService #TransitionPrep #FederalWorkforce

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Opportunity Closing Soon! 🚨 https://lnkd.in/e2cweDc2 As the June 10th deadline approaches, don't miss your chance to contribute to the DoD's efforts to enhance AI and ML applications through advanced financial planning tools. The DoD Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Office seeks innovative FP&A software solutions to improve budget management and program coordination. Key Highlights: 👉 Enhance Mission Effectiveness: Your software could help streamline DoD's AI testing, ensuring rapid adoption and responsible AI development. 👉 Empower Program Management: Provide tools for Program Managers to execute effective budgeting and financial planning in dynamic fiscal environments. 👉 Innovate with Impact: Join us in piloting FP&A software to set new standards in AI program management. This RFI is a unique opportunity for vendors to showcase solutions that can manage complex budgets and provide strategic analysis, all while interfacing seamlessly with DoD's existing financial systems. Interested? Submit your solution now! #RFI #DoD #FinancialPlanning #AIManagement #DefenseInnovation #Tradewinds | Keith W. Gibson, CFCM, SCPM | Bonnie Evangelista | Anne Laurent | DoD Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Office | Sana U. Hoda | BENJAMIN MCMARTIN | Quentin McCoy | Tattiana Peters | Lori-Ann Rissler | Dolores Kuchina-Musina, Ph.D. | Gage Asper | Stephanie Wilson | Ryan Connell | Savon Thomas | ARI (Applied Research Institute) 

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