The Department of Defense’s (DoD) Public-Private Talent Exchange (PPTE) provides the opportunity for members of the defense acquisition workforce to complete a professional assignment with industry, while industry employees are deployed to DoD offices. The program is currently partnering with Amazon to build expertise and drive modernization.
On Feb. 3, 2022, Mr. Paul Cramer, performing the duties of Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment, engaged with current program participants to talk about exchange assignments during a virtual mid-point discussion.
“This program was established to facilitate increased communication and awareness between the public and private sectors – to share best business practices, increase efficiencies, and strengthen the network of professionals dedicated to improving our national security,” Cramer said.
The current PPTE participants have expertise in areas such as supply chain, predictive modeling, machine learning and disaster preparedness. One match-up pairs a F-35 Joint Program Office Production Operations Lead with an Amazon Decision Science Team. Working as a Technical Program Manager, the Defense employee and the Amazon team are developing information platforms for two data pipeline projects using advanced analytics and end-user adaption.
The program, which is designed to break down barriers, enables industry participants to better understand the business of DoD acquisition, and helps DoD participants better understand private sector business culture, decision making, processes and practices. The discussion provided the opportunity for both to share experiences and build enduring relationships.
In addition to Cramer, the conversation included Mr. James Woolsey, President, Defense Acquisition University (DAU), Ms. Tanya Skeen, Executive Director of the F-35 Joint Program Office, and Amazon program executives.
To learn more about the Public-Private Talent Exchange (PPTE), visit https://www.hci.mil/ppte.html or contact HCI at ppte@dau.edu.