QUANTICO, Va. – The Office of the Chief Financial Officer (OCFO) of the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA) hosted its first Appropriations Law Training Seminar at the Russell-Knox Building, Aug. 4-7, 2025. This four-day, instructor-led event marked a significant milestone in advancing financial stewardship and compliance across the agency.
The seminar, attended by 20 financial management professionals from various divisions, was tailored to meet the unique needs of the Department of Defense (DoD). The training was designed to equip attendees with expert-level knowledge of appropriations law, ensuring the lawful and effective execution of agency funds. DCSA operates more like a business than most DOD organizations and this training supported the agency’s efforts to focus on continuous improvement, agile organization, and improving customer experience.
A Mission-Critical Initiative
Unlike generic fiscal law briefings, this advanced-level training provided in-depth, DoD-specific instruction on topics such as the Anti-Deficiency Act, the Bona Fide Needs Rule, and the proper obligation of appropriated funds. The course also covered specialized areas like revolving funds, construction funding, and reprogramming authorities, helping the agency to mature its capabilities to improve internal controls and audit readiness.
Stephanie Fox, Operations Officer for the OCFO, emphasized the importance of the training:
"This seminar is a game-changer for our financial managers. It not only supports audit readiness and compliance with RMIC and FIAR initiatives but also safeguards the agency from legal and reputational risks. By investing in this training, we are empowering our workforce to uphold the highest standards of financial accountability."
Looking Ahead
Building on the success of this inaugural event, the OCFO is exploring opportunities to avail this training in the future. OCFO is collaborating with the Human Capital Management Office and the Contracting and Procurement Office to develop a standardized training requirement for agency personnel with resource management responsibilities, ensuring compliance with appropriations law across all levels.
The Appropriations Law Training Seminar represents a new standard in fiscal accountability for the DCSA. By investing in the professional development of its financial managers, the OCFO is not only enhancing operational efficiency but also reinforcing its commitment to legal and ethical financial practices.