When does the PBG's starting point for the BES / POM occur?

The correct starting point for the Program Budget Guidance (PBG) related to the Budget Estimate Submission (BES) and the Program Objective Memorandum (POM) takes place in September. This is significant because September marks the beginning of the fiscal year preparations that agencies undertake in order to align their budget requests with their programmatic goals and objectives for the upcoming fiscal year. Agencies utilize this time to assess their funding needs, evaluate previous performance, and establish priorities for the allocation of resources.

This timing is crucial, as it allows enough time for the systematic analysis and development of budget proposals, facilitating dialogue and adjustments before the formal submission processes begin. Initiating this process in September gives agencies a structured timeline to engage with stakeholders and refine their budget plans in preparation for significant deadlines that follow, such as the submission of the POM in early January, which is ultimately derived from decisions made during the September PBG phase.