Education May 30, 2017

Education

Education is a key component underpinning the national security of the United States (US). It drives the economy, sharpens the nation’s competitive edge in science, technology, and innovation, develops the minds of people of all ages, raises the poor out of poverty, and is the great social equalizer. The US is a recognized global leader in education, and higher education is the fuel for prosperity and security. As college costs rise, students are increasingly ill-prepared for postsecondary courses, and employers are less able to find qualified employees, some may ask whether the fuel is running out. As the nation and its new administration look to secure opportunities and economic prosperity for its populace, it is appropriate to assess the current higher education landscape, evaluate the market drivers, and look for ways to improve the possibilities for future generations. According to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, the US spent $11,700 per full-time equivalent (FTE) student in 2012, which was 31 percent higher than the average of other countries. At the postsecondary level, the US spent 2.8 percent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP), which was higher than the average (1.5 percent) and higher than that of any other country. If one includes education spending across all levels (elementary, secondary, and postsecondary), spending grows to 6.4 percent of GDP.

Private Sector and Support Services March 30, 2017

Private Sector and Support Services

The Department of Defense (DoD) spends over 50% of its acquisition budget on services, and contractors play a critical role in US military operations. This Industry Study Report finds that the Private Sector Support and Services (PS3) industry is robust and healthy, despite a recent tumultuous period of decreased demand, budget constraints, and market upheaval. While the DoD continues to refine and improve its acquisition of services, more work remains. This report assesses the PS3 industry, analyzes government policies and practices, and makes recommendations for continued improvement.

Reconstruction March 30, 2017

Reconstruction

The Class of 2017 Reconstruction Industry Seminar analyzed the various components that encompass the industry, from government departments, non-governmental organizations, and private industry, to international partners and organizations. The analysis specifically included two country studies and visits: the post-conflict peace process in Colombia with the Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias de Colombia (FARC) and the post-disaster operations in Haiti connected to the 2010 earthquake and 2016 Hurricane Matthew. While both countries have made great strides in making sure both processes are planned, they are not absent numerous obstacles and challenges that threaten prevention of a lasting solution in both. This paper addresses these obstacles and challenges in greater detail and offers US policy recommendations that could help maximize finite resources and foster better, more lasting solutions to these countries. It is the seminar’s expectation that, in the long run, these recommendations will make them better partners and allies of the United States.

Weapons May 30, 2017

The Future of the Weapons Industry: 2018 and Beyond

The United States (US) Weapons Industry remains robust, with sufficient support from the private sector to underpin current U.S. National Security missions. Although we continue in an era of constrained budgets, demand for weapons will not diminish. The industrial base (private and public sectors) is able to balance maintaining basic infrastructure, providing direct support to ongoing conflicts, and developing competitive strategies to ensure the United States' technical and deployable primacy in the world. The competing demands amongst the Executive Branch, the Legislative Branch, and armed services add extra tension to budget constraints. Substantial efforts by both Congress and the defense establishment to reduce waste associated with defense acquisition do not focus enough on ensuring the health of the defense weapons industrial base. The USG should conduct an assessment on current Research, Development, Test and Evaluation (RDT&E) funding, focus strategies to improve collaboration between defense and industry laboratories, continue revisions of export controls and regulations to support greater opportunities to increase competition, and ensure improvement of the acquisition processes. Without a comprehensive assessment and focused improvement efforts, the United States' Defense Industrial Base can expect diminution of its capacity, innovation, and technological advantage to resource National Security missions.