Future of the SEI Program
by Hans Deffner, SU Class of 1988

I attended a meeting at DINFOS last week regarding the program and I'd like to offer the following observations (as a PJ).
     DINFOS is trying very hard to get a program this year (Oct-Jan start date--no promises).
     Evidently, DOD comptroller/contracting is closely scrutinizing the program budgetary management.
     What does this mean to the community?
     I believe the program, or some variation of it, will continue.
     The contract is up for renewal and will be re-bid. Each of the services will be part of the source selection process.
     I'm working closely with Chief Frost to ensure the PJ Program continues.
     We need hard hitting facts/examples of how the program has benefited the war fighting community--to date, we really haven't had quantifiable information to use as leverage to help ensure the program's viability.
    I realize there are many out there who find the whole idea of Syracuse going away absurd (I'm one of them).
     Any ideas and/or information would be greatly appreciated (send to Chief Frost or me).
     Finally, I believe we should NOT attack DINFOS as "trying to kill" the program, but rather work with DINFOS and provide the information/support they need to keep the program going.
     I believe DINFOS is trying hard to do the right thing--they're caught between the services and the DOD comptroller. Finally, there are at least a half-dozen SU grads on staff at DINFOS and they are very vocal about the future of our program.

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