Last updated: May 2021

Project Management Plan

All feasibility studies must have a project management plan (PMP) that represents an agreement by all parties on the scope of work for the study, and how to conduct the feasibility study. The PMP guides the development and delivery of an entire project, often using a phased approach. The Decision Management Plan and Review Plan are components of the PMP.

Is there anything unique about a PMP developed in a SMART Planning context?

• The PMP for a SMART feasibility study recognizes that in the early days of a study, there will be a high level of uncertainty associated with the tasks (budget and timeline) of later phases of the project. It is explicitly stated and recognized that that detail will be – and must be – added later.
• Therefore, the PMP for a SMART feasibility study is a living document, adding detail to the tasks necessary to complete the study as new information is available and decisions are made.

In developing the PMP, the PDT employs a series of Decision Management Plans (created throughout the study) to identify the major planning decisions that determine the scope and tasks associated with the study. The DMPs will provide detailed information on the tasks necessary to make the next decision. If the PDT has outlined DMPs through the end of the study, these decision-oriented tasks will form the framework for the PMP.

As planning decisions are made, the PDT will continue to update and provide additional detail on subsequent DMP(s) for future decisions. These updates and changes should trigger updates to the PMP as well, reflecting the tasks necessary to reach the next decision and the additional information gained since the study’s previous major planning decision.

Resources

• PMP Cost Summary Work Sheet, updated November 2012 to include a work sheet for reviews to be conducted during the course of the study.
• USACE Feasibility Study Review Plans
  All USACE planning, engineering and scientific work will undergo an open, dynamic, and rigorous review process. Approved Review Plans are publicly available and posted to District websites.
• Presentation on Project Management Plans from “Civil Works Orientation,” Planning Core Curriculum (PCC1)
• Planning Guidance Notebook (ER 1105-2-100 “Guidance for Conducting Civil Works Planning Studies”)
• Engineer Circular 1165-2-217: Water Resource Policies and Authorities, Review Policy for Civil Works
  This Circular establishes an accountable, comprehensive, life-cycle review strategy for Civil Works products by providing a seamless process for review of all Civil Works projects from initial planning through design, construction, and Operation, Maintenance, Repair, Replacement and Rehabilitation (OMRR&R). It also provides the procedures for ensuring the quality and credibility of USACE decision, implementation, and operations and maintenance documents and work products.
• Review - Guidance, best practices, and examples of Quality Control, Agency Technical Review, and Independent External Peer Review of planning products.