B

Backlog - The approved version of a work product, used as a basis for comparison to actual results.

Backlog Refinement - Progressive elaboration of the content in the backlog and (re)prioritization of it to identify the work that can be accomplished in an up coming iteration. 

Benchmarking - The comparison of actual or planned products, processes, and practices to those of comparable organizations to identify best practices, generate ideas for improvement, and provide a basis for measuring performance.

Best Value Procurement - Purchasing methods used in awarding a contract based on evaluating and comparing all established quality criteria where cost is not the sole determining factor in the award. This includes Request for Proposals (RFP) and Expression of Interest (EOI).

Bid – Anything that a vendor submits in response to a solicitation that constitutes an offer to the State and includes, but is not limited to, documents submitted in response to request for quotation, proposals submitted in response to a request for proposal or proposals submitted in response to an expression of interest. 

Bid Opening – A firmly established date and time for the public opening of responses to a solicitation. 

Bill of Material (BOM) - A comprehensive list of components, parts, and materials required to manufacture a product. 

Blackout Period – A period during the central solicitation process in which all communication must be routed through the Purchasing Division (from the time the requisition is submitted until the contract is awarded).

Budget – When unqualified, refers to an estimate of funds planned to cover a project or specified period of future time. When approved, the estimate for the project or any work breakdown component or any schedule activity.

Budget At Completion (BAC) – The estimated total cost of the project when done.

Burn Chart - A graphical representation of the work remaining in a timebox or the work completed toward the release of a product, service, or deliverable.

Business Impact Analysis – Identifies project constraints, alternatives, and related assumptions as they apply to the initiation phase.

Business Intelligence  -  Refers to the technologies, strategies, and practices used to collect, analyze, and present business data to support better decision-making. 

Business Plan – Model used by a manager for planning and scheduling project work.

Business Process Automation -  The use of technology to automate repetitive and manual business processes, thereby improving efficiency, accuracy, and productivity. 

Buyer– An employee of the Purchasing Division whose primary assignment is purchasing commodities or services on behalf of the state