Embedded Files
The Initiation Phase begins with the identification of a mission-related need. The Program Office will identify a credible performance gap between its current capabilities and capacities and those required to achieve the goals articulated in its strategic plan. The Mission Need Statement (MNS) is the translation of this gap into functional requirements that cannot be met through other than material means. It should describe the general parameters of the solution and why it is critical to the overall accomplishment of the Department’s mission, including the benefits to be realized. The mission need is independent of a particular solution, and should not be defined by equipment, facility, technological solution, or physical end-item.
The cost range provided at CD-0 should be Rough-Order of Magnitude (ROM), and include all project scope as identified in the Work Breakdown Structure (WBS, typically to Level 3). It does not represent the Performance Baseline (PB), which will be established at CD-2. Similarly the schedule should be estimated based on durations of R&D, design development, procurements, major construction tasks, and verification and commissioning. Major project milestones including Critical Decisions (CDs) should be included.
At the earliest stages of a new project, LBNL operations and support resources should be engaged to provide guidance, prepare for a coordinated initiation of the project, and provide sustained support at the appropriate level. LBNL resources a new project should engage with at the CD-0 stage include:
Project Management Office
OCFO
Budget Office
Field Finance/Resource Analyst
Procurement
Project Controls
Facilities/Construction Engineering
Technical Engineering
Sustainable Berkeley Lab
Environmental Services Group
Note: Links to Documents on this and related webpages are restricted to LBNL staff.
Prior to CD-0
Perform Pre-Conceptual Planning activities that focus on the Program Offices' strategic goals and objectives, safety planning, design, development of capability gaps, high-level project parameters, a rough order of magnitude (ROM) cost range, and schedule estimates.
The Program Office prepares a Mission Need Statement Document with recommendation from Office of Project Assessment (OPA) for projects with a TPC greater than $100M
Perform a Mission Validation Independent Review on all Major System Projects.
The Federal Project Director (FPD) will work with the Program Office to present the proposal to the Energy Systems Acquisition Advisory Board (ESAAB) for approval.
Post CD-0 Approval
FPD submits all CD documents to OPA.
Develop a Project Data Sheet (PDS) for Line Item Projects to request Project Engineering and Design (PED) funds. Develop funding documents for Major Items of Equipment (MIE) or Operating Expense (OE) projects.
Initiate periodic project reviews with the Program Office.
Conduct a project peer review when the top-end range is $100M or greater.
Using operating funds, proceed with conceptual planning and design to develop alternative concepts and functional requirements.
Environmental Management Cleanup Projects
When the Department, Congress or a regulatory agreement transfers or formally assigns cleanup responsibilities for a parcel of land or facilities to EM for cleanup, this will serve as the basis for a “Mission Need” in support of CD-0 approval by the PME. Characterization and analysis efforts are considered operational activities and shall be conducted prior to selecting scope and performance parameters and establishing a PB. Any project costs that occur after CD-0 and prior to CD-4 approval are considered to be part of the project’s TPC. Normally, CD-1/2/3 will be accomplished simultaneously, since project requirements (e.g., baseline development) and associated environmental documents (e.g., regulatory agreements) are finalized in unison.
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