The Wired magazine thinks the framework chart above is crazy, and the author thinks wrongly that it is a PowerPoint slide.
1. It is not a PowerPoint slide. It is an interactive tool where the user can point to an icon and see the regulations that apply. It is a tool that comes from the Defense Acquisition University in its modern form.
2. It has not been "revealed" by anyone. The basis of this framework has been in existence since about 1985 or so.
Maybe Noah Shachtman is trying to be satirical? Funny? Critical?
Or maybe Noah doesn't understand the complexity of defense weapon system acquisition. About 99% of the journalists writing about defense weapons purchases are in the same boat as Noah, so Noah can be forgiven for his confused statement and incorrect observation. I give you this one as a freebie Noah.
Defense weapons system acquisition by definitions requires many, many, many specialty areas of focus to get weapon systems from sketches to use in the next war. This is a ripe area for blog discussions.
This interactive framework TOOL has been around for about 20 years if we include each update along the way. Created by a consultant contractor, this framework was first published in the Defense Systems Management College (DSMC) magazine titled "Program Manager" in a simple form about 1985.
"Pentagon's Craziest PowerPoint Slide Revealed" by Noah Schactman
https://www.wired.com/2010/09/revealed-pentagons-craziest-powerpoint-slide-ever/
It is not overly complex since it is comprised of parts that a TEAM breaks down. No one person can use all of it at once. That would be silly. This TOOL allows a Program Manager to pick each specialty, data management, logistics, quality, transportation, finance, contracting, and others. It is real, and it is descriptive.
So here I am, back where I intended to start.
This is a list, subject to adds, of what I want to dig in to, using my work experience to pass on lessons learned to anyone who happens to find this blog.
Submit suggestions an write articles for the National Contract Management Association.
Discuss the Small iCBM Program experience, 1989 to 1992.
Discuss processes and how to follow up on Support we provide to defense Programs.
Discuss how to administer Blanket Purchase Orders.
Suggest ways to improve internal working web sites to be more effective.
Study current defense acquisition reform issues and discuss them.
Complete more Earned Value Management training; other process improvement training.
Discuss what we called Variance Analysis Reports, and how financial experts analyze the VARs.
Share my Six Sigma experiences and learning.
Discuss how to prepare effective and efficient processes for Program Startup, and share ideas on contracting and financial personnel involvement with program office personnel
Discuss better ways of Data Management.
Share a process on how to contact Company Program Managers and Business Managers to plan Internal Integrated Baseline Reviews (IIBRs).
Share the need for timely Contract Award Flash Report in a defense Company.
Discuss ideas for Company Program Manager’s "College", a curriculum, and how to teach about IIBRs and EVM.
We will pursue topical Targets of Opportunity (TOOs).
Discuss how an organization should Prepare, Coordinate, Get Approval, and Provide Status of Progress on Annual Goals that start at the top and flow down to each individual.
We can discuss how to appreciate and teach EVM and EVM related courses, like how to prepare an effective Statement of Work (SOW).
We can discuss how to draft and coordinate Business Process Management policy. You need an overarching policy architecture to guide the policy area. We need a policy for Program Startup Guidance when a big contract award is received from DoD.
There has to be a process for Annual Policy review and Updates, peer reviews, and sustained improvements.
This will be fun!
