Program Management Support
Situation GAO and OMB have both recognized that the use of trained and qualified project managers is a necessity to ensure the prudent expenditure of available IT funding. The capital planning process and the ITIM framework establish program/ project management as critical to program success. The GAO ITIM framework moves an Agency from selecting an IT investment to controlling its development and deployment, to evaluating its effectiveness. Systematic project management processes are key to appropriate control of new and ongoing project work. In September 2003, the Office of Personnel Management issued guidance and recognized Project Manager as an official IT position with three distinct levels of Program Manager classifications. The CIO council has d encouraged Federal agencies to implement project management practices.
Analysis To demonstrate effective use of IT funding, Agencies must have an implemented project management function. This process must be a living process that can be implemented during the various project life cycle phases and must operationally integrated with enterprise architecture, security, capital planning, records, and acquisition requirements. The process should be built on an industry project management standard such as ANSI/PMI 99-001-2000 (Project Management Body of Knowledge - PMBOK).
Solution System 1 formulated a strategic project management vision, which included an integrated program emphasizing people, technology, and processes to improve the management control of Agency projects and systems. Significant actions that were developed out of this vision included a comprehensive PM policy, addressing implementation of the PMBOK, a project management framework and systems life cycle development methodology, and personnel qualifications program. System 1 developed a PM framework that operationally integrates CIO functions and requirements and a systems development life cycle that spans project management lifecycle from inception through deployment, operations, and finally to demobilization. System 1 developed a qualification and training program for project managers. This included the examination and analysis of qualification and training options, the development of a skills inventory, and implementation of a tailored curriculum through the Agency's university.