The Office of Project Assessment (OPA) will conduct an Independent Project Review (IPR). For projects with a TPC ≥ $100M, OPA will conduct an IPR and either an Independent Cost Review (ICR) or an Independent Cost Estimate (ICE) to support validation of the Performance Baseline (PB). 

The overall purpose of Independent Project Reviews (IPR) are to determine, by a non-proponent body, whether the scope of programs, projects, or activities; the underlying assumptions regarding technology and management; the technical, cost and schedule baselines; safety and security; and the contingency provisions are valid and credible within the budgetary and administrative constraints under which DOE functions. IPRs assist in the process of risk management by assuring existing and potential problems are identified in a timely manner so that an adequate resolution is possible with minimum adverse impact to the project baselines. IPR’s may also be scheduled to meet a specific objective, such as a budget validation, nuclear safety and security, a technology readiness assessment, or a Critical Decision request.  The scope of an IPR is dependent on the type of review, cost/complexity of the project and the project current status. 

Thorough preparation for an IPR, by the project, is crucial for achieving  a successful review.  This includes having a consistent message from all presenters.  The project, in conjunction with the FPD, will develop an agenda for the review which will cover all technical project areas, ES&H, Cost & Schedule, and Project Management. The project will develop a website site which will contain all of the relevant presentations and documents required by DOE 413.3b, including cost & schedule documents, project risk documentation, technical documents, and project management documents. All presentations should be rehearsed and revised by the project before posting to the review site.  Prior to an IPR, the LBNL Project Management Office will conduct a Director's Review of the project.

Alternately, a Performance Baseline External Independent Review (EIR) may be conducted to validate the PB for projects with a TPC ≥ $100M.