Analysis Working Group (AWG) Support

The Support for Analysis Working Group program, designated as PE 0606114D8Z, is managed by the Office of the Secretary of Defense and specifically supports the Office of the Director, Cost Assessment & Program Evaluation (CAPE). The primary objective of this program is to enhance the Department of Defense's (DoD) analytic enterprise by providing robust, high-quality analytic research and assessments. These efforts are aimed at supporting the Secretary and Deputy Secretary of Defense in making informed, strategic decisions that ensure a long-term advantage for the U.S. military.

The main goal of the Analysis Working Group Support line item is to marshal and guide the Department's analytic capabilities. The Analysis Working Group (AWG) advances key strategic priorities by improving the analytic foundations that inform senior leader decisions. This includes addressing necessary reforms across the analytic community, such as enhancing data sharing practices and knowledge management systems. The AWG's work is intended to make the analytic enterprise more agile, responsive, and capable of delivering timely, sound decision support.

For fiscal years 2025 and 2026, the program's planned activities focus on several objectives. These include establishing clear priorities and standards to guide analysts in providing effective decision support, improving transparency across the DoD's analytic community, and enhancing both the quality of and access to critical data. Another key objective is to evolve the methods and tools used in strategic analysis, ensuring that the analytic enterprise remains at the cutting edge of best practices and technological advancements.

The program justifies its funding by emphasizing the need for a high-performing and innovative analytic enterprise that is equipped with the right policies, structures, people, and tools. By investing in these areas, the program aims to create an environment where strategic decisions are supported by rigorous analysis. This approach is intended to strengthen the overall effectiveness and competitiveness of the U.S. military in a rapidly changing global landscape.

Funding for the program is allocated to a mix of research providers, including university-affiliated research centers (UARCs), Federally Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDCs), and competitive contracts with commercial firms. This diversified acquisition strategy ensures that the program benefits from a wide range of expertise and perspectives, fostering innovation and comprehensive analysis capabilities within the DoD.

In terms of budget changes, the program experienced a reduction in FY 2025 due to a Congressional mark and portfolio rightsizing. This was followed by an increase in FY 2026, which includes adjustments for inflation. These fluctuations reflect ongoing efforts to align resources with strategic priorities and ensure the efficient use of taxpayer funds.