HHS Enterprise Performance Life Cycle (EPLC) and Program/Project Manager (PM) Certification

1. HHS Enterprise Performance Life Cycle (EPLC)and Program/Project Manager (PM) Certification NIH PM Forum September 12, 2007

2. Topics • EPLC -- a life-cycle approach to EA and CPIC investments • Context • Draft framework • Stage Gate review process • Concept • Goals and objectives • PM Training and Certification • Background • Goals and Objectives • Requirements • Future plans

3. EPLC Context

4. Draft HHS EPLC Framework

5. Stage Gate Review Process

6. EPLC Concept • Overall Characteristics • PM-centric • Full life cycle management focus • Participants/Elements • Project Managers (Create) • Phases • Artifacts/exit criteria • Standards/guidance • Critical Partners (Review) • Critical partner review/collaboration regarding artifacts • Stage Gate recommendations • IT Governance (Approve) • Dashboard information for executives • Issues-oriented, focus on decisions

7. EPLC Goals • To implement (across HHS) a consistent, effective and evolving project management methodology that • Aligns with business needs • Delivers within approved cost and schedule limits • To better integrate IT investment execution with IT governance, including more effective multi-disciplinary project reviews

8. EPLC Objectives • Provide guidance to PMs for project management planning and execution • Evolve the role of business sponsors in the life cycle management of IT investments • Improve the competitiveness of IT investments in the budget process through improved performance management • Improve response to budget and other external changes that affect investment and portfolio management

9. PM Training and Certification • Background • Services Acquisition Reform Act of 2003 (P.L. 108-36):expanded the definition of acquisition to include program and project managers • OFPP Policy Letter 05-01 (April 2005):Required the Federal Acquisition Institute (FAI) to recommend a program and project management certification program • OMB Memorandum, The Federal Acquisition Certification for Program and Project Managers, April 25, 2007:Establishes general training and certification requirements program and project managers in civil agencies

10. PM Training and Certification (Cont’d) • Applicability • Applies to all PMs, with additional requirements for IT investment managers • Federal IT Project Manager Guidance Matrix • Technical competencies in the OPM Interpretive Guidance for Project Manager Positions • Administered by the Department’s Chief Acquisition Officer, who can delegate authority to the CIO and others • PMs assigned to major acquisitions must be senior-level certified unless a waiver is granted (for up to a year) • Waivers must be documented and of limited duration • Apply to individuals (other than COTRs and CORs) who have: • Significant involvement in one or more life cycle phases • Management authority for overseeing multiple phases • Responsibility for cross-agency investments or a major portion of the life cycle • Responsibility for leading IPTs • Aspirations to be a PM and who participate on an IPT

11. PM Training and Certification (Cont’d) • Major Features • Competency based rather than prescribed curriculum • Certification depends upon: • Attaining competencies • Meeting experience requirements • Earning 80 continuous learning points every two years for currency • Certification Levels • Entry • Mid-Level/Journeyman • Senior/Expert • Challenges • Establishing training curricula and acceptable substitutes • Organizing and funding training • Setting up Certification Board(s)

12. Future Plans • Establish initial EPLC capability for new projects • Phase in implementation for existing projects • Establish PM training curricula and certification processes

13. Thank You! Philip W. Clark HHS IT Capital Planning Officer (202) 690-6162 philip.clark@hhs.gov