A Conceptual Design Report (CDR) shall be developed that includes a clear and concise description of the alternatives analyzed, the basis for the alternative selected, how the alternative meets the approved mission need, the functions and requirements that define the alternative and demonstrate the capability for success, and the facility performance requirements, planning standards and life-cycle cost assumptions. The CDR should also clearly and concisely describe the Key Performance Parameters (KPPs) that will form the basis of the Performance Baseline (PB) at CD-2. When the purpose of the project is remediation, restoration, or demolition, other forms of documenting the requirements and alternative(s) may be used.

A Conceptual Design Review must be conducted for all projects and involve reviewers external to the project using a formalized, structured approach to ensure that the reviews are comprehensive, objective and documented.

The conceptual design process must ensure that a solution or alternatives are not only responsive to an approved need, but also technically achievable, affordable and will provide the best value to the Department. Research, development, testing and other efforts may be required to finalize a concept. The conceptual design process may also require negotiation with outside organizations, stakeholders or other legal entities on functional, technical, operational and performance requirements or standards. Value Management (VM) is a key process that supports reaching the best cost and benefit life-cycle cost alternative. VM should be employed as early as possible so that recommendations can be included in the planning and implemented without delaying the project or causing significant rework of designs. VM conducted during the early phases of a project yield the greatest cost reductions. 

For construction projects, project designs shall be sufficiently mature to ensure achieving a complete, accurate project baseline with 80-90 percent confidence. In addition, the CDR must document High Performance and Sustainable Building provisions per EO 13423, Section 2(f), EO 13514, Section 2, as amended, in the Conceptual Design Report, Acquisition Strategy, and/or PEP, as appropriate. (Refer to DOE G 413.3-6). 

At a minimum, the Conceptual Design shall develop the following: 

• Scope required to satisfy the Program mission requirements

• Project feasibility

• Attainment of specified performance levels

• Assessment of project risks and identification of appropriate risk handling strategies

• Reliable cost and schedule range estimates for the alternatives considered

• Project criteria and design parameters

• Impact on the site Sustainability Plan

• Identification of requirements and features