Which statement is true about BES submission timing?

• A. They are submitted by DoD Components in September of even-numbered years to OSD.
• B. They are submitted by DoD Components in September of odd-numbered years to OSD.
• C. They are submitted by DoD Components in January of even-numbered years to OMB.
• D. They are submitted by DoD Components in September of even-numbered years to OMB.

Answer: (A)

The key idea is understanding when DoD builds its budget inputs and who handles them in that cycle. Budget Estimate Submissions are sent by DoD Components to the Office of the Secretary of Defense in September of even-numbered years. This timing fits the PPBE planning cadence, ensuring the program and cost data are available for the next phase of budget development and for the Future Years Defense Program, under OSD’s coordination. Submitting in September of odd-numbered years would disrupt the established cycle, and sending the BES to OMB in January or September would place the input in the wrong part of the process, since OMB’s role is downstream of the internal DoD budgeting steps.