David Norquist Issues Memo on Pentagon’s Zero-Based Budgeting Review

Deputy Defense Secretary and a 2019 Wash100 Award winner David Norquist issued a memo informing component agencies and services of a zero-based assessment of all department-wide activities and functions as directed by Defense Secretary and fellow 2019 Wash100 Award recipient Mark Esper, Defense One reported Thursday. 

“The immediate goal of this review is to identify time, money, and manpower resources that can be reallocated to our highest priorities in support of the National Defense Strategy through the FY 2021-2025 Program and Budget Review, as well as adjustments to FY 2020 where feasible,” according to the Aug. 2 memo.

Norquist said he will lead the assessment, which seeks to back a longer-term focus on structural reform in an effort to generate more savings for future budget cycles. The zero-based budgeting review will cover all defensewide organizations, accounts, funds and appropriations.

The review will begin on Saturday, Aug. 10, and will focus on the Defense Threat Reduction Agency, according to the document. Esper and Norquist were sworn in as secretary and deputy chief of the Pentagon in July.