Strategic Spending Executive Seminar: Intelligent Funds Management in Challenging Times Course

Module 1: The Size and Scope of the U.S. Budget – Why Our Path is “Unsustainable”

• Identify key components of the national debt and annual deficit.
• Distinguish between mandatory and discretionary spending.
• Discuss challenges posed by major federal programs and interest on debt.
• Explore fiscal sustainability and economic implications of deficit spending.

Module 2: How Money Works – The Federal Budget Cycle

• Examine the full lifecycle of federal budget formulation and execution.
• Understand appropriations, apportionments, and obligations.
• Review legal constraints and audit considerations during budget execution.
• Recognize procurement authorities and budgetary compliance rules.

Module 3: The Lifecycle of Federal Financial Transactions – How We Spend Money

• Trace transactions from appropriation to final Treasury outlay.
• Identify key internal controls and financial checkpoints.
• Understand the importance of managing unliquidated obligations (ULOs).
• Apply proactive techniques for accurate transaction lifecycle oversight.

Module 4: Year-End Spending – Between a Falling Rock and a Hard Place

• Navigate the legal framework for year-end spending, including the ADA and BNR rules.
• Avoid common mistakes during fiscal closeout periods.
• Understand obligations, procurement rules, and time-sensitive fiscal constraints.
• Leverage best practices for compliant, efficient year-end financial management.

Module 5: What To Do When Things Go WROGN

• Prepare for financial crises such as funding cuts, recissions, and shutdowns.
• Review Anti-Deficiency Act consequences and liability risks.
• Develop a spending plan and tiered priorities to safeguard mission-essential activities.
• Explore tactical responses to financial management disruptions.

Module 6: Controlled Chaos

• Execute a strategic reduction in expenditures when facing unavoidable budget cuts.
• Manage burn rates, obligations, and contingency funds under pressure.
• Coordinate key roles and teams to maintain continuity during austerity periods.
• Prioritize essential personnel, contracts, and resources for sustainability.

Module 7: Down to Zero

• Plan and execute a full agency or program shutdown due to lapse or termination.
• Comply with furlough rules and shutdown furlough guidance from OPM.
• Secure government assets, finalize fiscal records, and manage RIF processes.
• Minimize risk while preparing for potential funding restoration or permanent closure.

Module 8: Communications – Interactions and Restrictions on Financial Information

• Understand statutory and regulatory restrictions on financial communications.
• Navigate communication channels with Congress, OMB, and auditors appropriately.
• Avoid lobbying violations and unauthorized information disclosures.
• Protect PII and classified information while maintaining transparency and accuracy.