These focused, in-depth reviews are conducted by non-advocates and support the design and development of a project. For projects $100M or greater, the SC Office of Project Assessment shall conduct a Project Peer Review between CD-0 and CD-1, annually between CD-1 and CD-2, at least annually between CD-2 and CD-4 and more frequently for the most complex projects or those experiencing performance challenges. The reviews should be performed by peers (with relevant experience and expertise) independent of the project, to evaluate technical, managerial, cost, scope and other aspects of the project, as appropriate. SC shall ensure that the peer reviews have independence from line management and, to the greatest extent possible, use experts who are familiar with the projects to ensure continuity for future reviews.

The review teams will be established with the Department’s most talented project, contract and technical staff from across the complex. This includes both Federal and contractor personnel from within and across Program Offices, which will benefit from this cross-fertilization by learning from each other.

There should be no contractual or budgetary impediments to accomplishing these reviews, which are fundamental to the professional development of each and every member of both the project team and the review team. The knowledge and lessons learned that our project management professional’s gain with each review is invaluable. Project management professional development and departmental knowledge management is the ultimate result; enhancements to project execution performance over time is the by-product. Indirect accounts at the contributing sites should cover these allowable costs.