The Planning, Programming, Budgeting, and Execution Process or PPBE is one of the three principal decision support systems utilized by the Department of Defense. The other two are the "Joint Capabilities Integration and Development System" and "The Defense Acquisition System." The relationship between the three and the guiding documents are identified below
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The Joint Capabilities Integration and Development System (JCIDS) is also known as the requirements system. The Planning, Programming, Budgeting, and Execution (PPBE) system is also referred to as the resource allocation or budgeting system. The Defense Acquisition System (DAS) is also referred to the acquisition or procurement system.
The PPBE occurs on a biennial cycle with distinct activities occuring during the "Odd" and "Even" years. The Planning Phase of the PPBE preceeds the concurrent Programming and Budgeting stages. The Planning stage is also referred to as the Enhanced Planning Process (EPP). Planning and programming activities occur in even-numbered years (called "on-years") while budgeting and execution activities occur in both on-years and "off-years" (odd-numbered years). In the off-years, Budget Change Proposals () can be requested by programs or result from DOD review of program execution metrics.
The following two Figures represents the types of activities that occur in each of these four stages Planning, Programming, Budgeting, and Execution during both the Odd and Even years.
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For a more detailed discussion of the PPBE process please see the CRS Report for Congress, dates June 20, 2007 and entitled "Defense Acquisition: Overview, Issues, and Options for Congress."
