Integrated Master Plans and Schedules

The Integrated Master Plan (IMP) is an event-driven plan that describes the Events, Significant Accomplishments, and Accomplishment criteria needed to complete the tasks described in the Contract Work Breakdown Structure (CWBS) dictionary, the Request for Proposal (RFP), and the Statement of Work (SOW) for a particular program. Each accomplishment in the IMP is tied to a key program event.

Typical program events are:

• Kickoff Meeting
• System Requirements Review (SRR)
• Preliminary Design Review (PDR)
• Critical Design Review (CDR)
• Engineering Development Hardware Deliveries
• Production Hardware Deliveries

Each defined event represents the initiation or conclusion of an interval of major program activity. These events are also major decision-points in assessing the maturity of the product development and have specific accomplishments that must be achieved. The events defined cover the entire program, from contract award to final hardware acceptance and delivery.

The Program team develops an Integrated Master Schedule (IMS) which shows all of the detailed tasks required to execute the project. The IMS is tied to the SOW, WBS and IMP.

Unlike the event-based IMP, the time-based IMS uses a detailed schedule to demonstrate how work efforts will support tasks and events. The IMS is produced based on the IMP. In conjunction with the IMP, the IMS further helps the Program Manager understand the links and interrelationships among the various tasks and teams. Critical path analysis is performed on a monthly basis as part of the program management process. The IMS captures all of the baseline scope of work.

All tasks within the IMS are allocated to a specific Control Account Manager (CAM) or Technical Lead, who has full responsibility, authority and accountability for completion. CAMs and Team Leads are assigned to the Program and ensure adequate resources have been assigned to the teams, to ensure schedule performance.