To complete its work, the Resources Working Group must distinguish between funding for operations, both military and civilian, and funds for foreign assistance (bilateral and multilateral). On the one hand, the working group examines funding for operations, both military and civilian. Issues includes congressional requirements and procedures, calculation of needed funding, use of funds (especially through contractors), and accounting. On the other hand, the working group focuses on the interagency element of how the U.S. government spends money on humanitarian aid, development assistance, military assistance, and support to multilateral organizations (United Nations, World Bank, Organization of American States, etc.).

As a whole, the Resources Working Group analyzes the U.S. government’s resource allocation process: how fiscal guidance is prepared, how funds are allocated across missions and departments, how funds are requested, questions of timing, and oversight. It especially looks at the resource-allocation role of the Office of National Security Programs of the Office of Management and Budget. OMB’s mission statement describes its resource role as: “OMB evaluates the effectiveness of agency programs, policies, and procedures, assesses competing funding demands among agencies, and sets funding priorities.” There is no mention in the mission statement of outputs.

In addition, the working group examines congressional requirements and procedures, calculation of needed funding, use of funds (especially through contractors), and accounting. From this examination of the current funding process of the national security instrument, the working group goes on to recommend resource allocation reforms consistent with the organizational strategy, structure, processes and personnel recommendations made by other working groups.