Bureaucratic Nirvana: Life in the Center of the Box

How do the gears of governmental Research and Development (R&D) funding grind to assess, allocate and maintain myriad proposals, projects, and programs? Understanding the intricacies of the Pentagon R&D structure and function is vital for the survival of the new governmental employee, and sustained success of more seasoned professionals. This information is equally important for researchers, contractors and administrators who work with Pentagon R&D agencies, as it clarifies the workings of this vast- and often confusing- system.

Hugh Montgomery brings more than four decades of experience, a significant portion of which was spent as the Department of Navy senior career civilian for Science and Technology (S&T) requirements and resources – and Resource Sponsor for the programs executed by the Office of Naval Research, to afford a better understanding of how to approach the vast federal system for funding or information. As well, his insights can relate to other public - and private - sector bureaucracies.

In creating a roadmap toward “…peace, enlightenment and potential funding in the Pentagon R&D bureaucracy”, Montgomery describes an often dry and moribund federal system as an unexpectedly interesting entity. A “how-to” primer, this volume begins with the basics of the President’s Budget and culminates in the sophisticated machinations of the Pentagon's R&D funding hierarchy. Case examples gained through decades of experience provide a thorough guide to the practices- and pitfalls- that affect a successful career in governmental R&D.