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How Long Will This Project Really Take? GAO Issues Final Version of Its Schedule Assessment Guide

Second Volume in Series to Help Manage Government Projects

WASHINGTON, D.C. (December 22, 2015) – The U.S. Government Accountability Office today issued a final version of a manual to help federal, state, and local government agencies develop more reliable schedule assessments for government projects of all sizes. The Schedule Assessment Guide: Best Practices for Project Schedules (GAO-16-89G), available on-line, applies to civilian and defense projects managed by either government entities or private contractors.

"A well-planned schedule is an essential tool for program management," said Gene Dodaro, Comptroller General of the United States and head of the GAO. "The best practices described in the guide are intended to help agencies create and maintain schedules that are comprehensive, well-constructed, credible, and controlled."

Drawing on scheduling concepts introduced in GAO’s March 2009 Cost Estimating and Assessment Guide (GAO-09-3SP) and the draft Schedule Assessment Guide released for comment on May 30, 2012 (GAO-12-120G), the final version of the Schedule Assessment Guide presents 10 best practices for developing and maintaining a reliable, high-quality schedule. As a companion to the Cost Estimating Guide and the forthcoming Technology Readiness Assessment Guide , the final version of the GAO Schedule Assessment Guide is designed to assist not only GAO auditors in evaluating the economy, efficiency, and effectiveness of government programs, but also all government agencies in developing, managing, and evaluating capital programs. The draft guide was available for comment for a full year and GAO addressed over 1,000 comments resulting in the final version being released today that includes new appendixes and case studies.

 "Over the last 5 years, GAO has worked with experts in cost estimating, scheduling, and earned value management from government agencies, private industry, and academia to develop and formalize scheduling best practices" said Timothy Persons, Chief Scientist at the GAO. "Using these criteria, managers and auditors will be able to assess the reliability of planned dates for projects."

Developed with help from industry experts as well as federal officials, the 224-page final Schedule Assessment Guide lays out a multi-step process for developing high-quality, trustworthy schedules; explains how to manage schedules once they have been developed; and presents 19 case studies drawn from GAO’s published audits that illustrate typical pitfalls and successes in scheduling and schedule risk analysis. The guide stresses sound scheduling practices, such as setting realistic program baselines and managing risk. GAO plans to use the Schedule Assessment Guide to assess the accuracy and realism of agencies’ schedules in its future audits.

For questions contact Chuck Young, Managing Director of Public Affairs, at 202-512-4800.

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The Government Accountability Office, known as the investigative arm of Congress, is an independent, nonpartisan agency that exists to support Congress in meeting its constitutional responsibilities. GAO also works to improve the performance of the federal government and ensure its accountability to the American people. The agency examines the use of public funds; evaluates federal programs and policies; and provides analyses, recommendations, and other assistance to help Congress make informed oversight, policy, and funding decisions. GAO provides Congress with timely information that is objective, fact-based, nonideological, fair, and balanced. GAO’s commitment to good government is reflected in its core values of accountability, integrity, and reliability.

 

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GAO Makes MACPAC Appointments, Designates Chair

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WASHINGTON, DC (December 16, 2015) – Gene L. Dodaro, Comptroller General of the United States and head of the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO), today announced the appointment of seven new members to the Medicaid and CHIP Payment and Access Commission (MACPAC).  He also named the Commission’s Chair.