When is the apportionment request sent to the Office of the Secretary of Defense?

The apportionment request is typically sent to the Office of the Secretary of Defense during the first quarter of the fiscal year. This timing aligns with the federal budgeting process, where agencies submit their planned expenditures and any necessary apportionment actions early in the fiscal year to ensure that funding is allocated and available for planned programs and initiatives.

Submitting requests in the first quarter allows the Department of Defense to assess funding requirements and make informed financial decisions for the remainder of the year. It helps in providing a clearer picture of funding needs and ensures compliance with regulations governing fiscal appropriations and expenditures. This early submission supports effective financial management and planning at the agency level.

The other options do not accurately reflect the standard timing for apportionment requests within the federal budget cycle. Apportionment requests are not typically made at the beginning of the fiscal year as an initial step, nor are they made in the last quarter or spread throughout the year. Instead, they are concentrated in the first quarter to streamline financial operations effectively.