Archived - Policy on the Management of Projects
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Note to reader
On June 7, 2007, Treasury Board Ministers approved the Policy on the Management of Projects. This policy replaces the Project Management Policy, the Policy on the Management of Major Crown Projects, and the Project Approval Policy for departments and agencies listed in Section 2 of the Financial Administration Act. This policy is a significant change in how government manages projects. As a result, Treasury Board Secretariat is adopting a phased implementation approach, starting in 2007, that will begin with a group of departments that have agreed to participate in a pilot. Following this pilot, groups of departments will be brought on board so that, by April 1, 2011, departments and agencies will have the systems and processes in place to meet the policy requirements.
1. Effective date
1.1 This policy takes effect on June 7, 2007.
1.2 Together with the standards listed in Section 3, it replaces the following:
1.3 Transition
- Full compliance with this policy is expected by April 1, 2011.
- Projects approved prior to the effective date of this policy will continue to be subject to the policies that were in effect at the time the project was approved.
- After the effective date of this policy, departments are expected to undertake an assessment of their organizational capacity according to the Standard for Organizational Project Management Capacity, in conjunction with their investment plan.
- Once approved, the organizational capacity level will determine project approval authority as outlined in Appendix A.
2. Application
2.1 This policy applies to all departments as defined in section 2 of the Financial Administration Act, unless specific acts or regulations override it.
2.2 The policy applies to all Government of Canada projects as defined in section 4 of this policy.
2.3 This policy does not apply to projects funded by the federal government through transfer payments. The Treasury Board Policy on Transfer Payments and its supporting directives provide direction on the management and approval of projects funded through transfer payments.
3. Context
3.1 The management of projects is key to providing value for money and demonstrating sound stewardship in program delivery. A comprehensive approach to managing projects, which is integrated across the department and is appropriate for the level of project risk and complexity, will enhance the likelihood of realizing project outcomes. This approach should ensure that accountability for outcomes is clear, appropriate controls are in place to minimize risk and limit project duplication and overlap, key project stakeholders are consulted, and outputs and outcomes are monitored and reported.
3.2 The management processes and controls for individual projects will vary across organizations and horizontal initiatives, reflecting differences in mandate, operational requirements, risks, complexity and capacity.
3.3 An appropriate capacity for managing projects, which reflects the level of project complexity and risk, and integrates decision-making across projects, will support the achievement and demonstration of value for money and sound stewardship. This appropriate capacity will also ensure an optimal contribution to program, organizational, horizontal and government outcomes.
3.4 This policy is issued pursuant to section 7 of the Financial Administration Act.
3.5 Ministers have responsibility for the administration of projects in support of the mandated programs of their departments. Deputy heads are accountable to their respective minister and to the Treasury Board for the effective management of projects according to legislation, regulations and Treasury Board policy instruments that promote due diligence, ethical behaviour and sound management practices, thereby ensuring long-term sustainability and value for Canadian taxpayers. They are also responsible for ensuring projects are managed in a manner that fulfills any legal obligations with respect to Aboriginal groups and that the honour of the Crown is upheld.
3.6 This policy is framed by the principles set out in the Policy Framework for the Management of Assets and Acquired Services. It is essential that this policy be implemented in conjunction with related Treasury Board policies governing assets and services. These include the Policy on Investment Planning, the Policy on Managing Procurement, the Policy on Management of Materiel and the Policy on the Management of Real Property.
3.7 Treasury Board has delegated to the Secretary of the Treasury Board the authority to issue such operational directives, standards and guidelines as necessary to support this policy except with respect to the powers or functions of the President of the Treasury Board or the Secretary of the Treasury Board.
3.8 Additional mandatory requirements for the management of projects are set out in the following policy instruments:
- Standard for Project Complexity and Risk
- Standard for Organizational Project Management Capacity
- Directive on the Management of IT-Enabled Projects [*]
4. Definitions
4.1 Management of projects (la gestion des projets) – Encompasses the structure (framework) within which projects are initiated, planned, executed, controlled and closed.
4.2 Project management (la gestion de projet) – Is the systematic planning, organizing and control of allocated resources to accomplish identified project objectives and outcomes. Project management is normally reserved for focused, non-repetitive, time-limited activities with some degree of risk, and for activities beyond the usual scope of program (operational) activities.
4.3 Project (projet) – Is an activity or series of activities that has a beginning and an end. A project is required to produce defined outputs and realize specific outcomes in support of a public policy objective, within a clear schedule and resource plan. A project is undertaken within specific time, cost and performance parameters.
4.4 Program (programme) – Is any group of resources and activities, and their related direct outputs, undertaken pursuant to a given objective or set of related objectives and administered by a department or agency of the government. Distinguished from a project, which has a specific objective, activity, beginning and end, a program may include various projects at various times.
5. Policy statement
5.1 Objective
The objective of this policy is to ensure that the appropriate systems, processes and controls for managing projects are in place, at a departmental, horizontal or government-wide level, and support the achievement of project and program outcomes while limiting the risk to stakeholders and taxpayers.
5.2 Expected results
The expected results of this policy, associated standards and directive are that:
- Projects achieve value for money;
- Sound stewardship of project funds is demonstrated;
- Accountability for project outcomes is transparent; and
- Outcomes are achieved within time and cost constraints.
6. Policy requirements
6.1 Deputy head
Deputy heads are responsible for ensuring that:
6.1.1 A department-wide governance and oversight mechanism is in place, documented and maintained. The mechanism is used to manage the initiation, planning, execution, control and closing of projects. In addition, the mechanism ensures that opportunities are considered for integrating projects across the department and the Government of Canada.
6.1.2 A department's capacity to manage projects is accurately assessed to comply with the Standard for Organizational Project Management Capacity and the assessment meets the requirements of the standard.
6.1.3 The department conducts an accurate assessment of each project according to the Standard for Project Complexity and Risk. Each assessment must meet the requirements of the standard.
6.1.4 Accountability for project outcomes is documented and the contribution to program outcomes and broader government objectives is demonstrated.
6.1.5 Projects are managed in a manner that is consistent with the assessed level of complexity and risk. This includes demonstrating that both knowledgeable, integrated, multi-disciplinary project teams and effective project management systems and processes support the project management function.
6.1.6 Project-based procurements and real property transactions are fully integrated into the governance, management and oversight of projects. In addition, controls must be implemented to ensure that procurement contracts and real property transactions support key project objectives and program outcomes.
6.1.7 The department must obtain Treasury Board approval for a project when the assessed risk and complexity of the project exceeds the assessed level of capacity that the sponsoring minister can approve (see Appendix A). Only those specific phases of the project that have been appropriately defined and assessed can be approved.
6.1.8 When Treasury Board approval is required, a Project Brief (Appendix B) must accompany the Treasury Board submission.
6.2 Monitoring and reporting requirements
6.2.1 Deputy heads are responsible for monitoring adherence to this policy within their organization and taking action when any significant compliance issue arises.
- More specifically, they are responsible for:
- Monitoring and reporting on the management of projects in their department.
- Ensuring that a control and oversight regime is in place to monitor adherence to this policy and its associated standards.
- Reporting to Treasury Board Secretariat, within 90 days, the results of relevant internal and external reviews and audits, and subsequent actions.
- Providing departmental reporting to Treasury Board Secretariat as required by conditions of project approval and departmental investment plans.
- Providing departmental records, plans, policy instruments or any other information to Treasury Board Secretariat upon request in support of the Secretariat's monitoring responsibilities. This information and its analysis may be included in the appropriate management accountability mechanisms.
6.2.2 The Treasury Board Secretariat is responsible for:
- Monitoring departmental implementation of this policy and its related instruments. Using various sources of information, Treasury Board Secretariat will verify that departments have implemented the policy in order to advise ministers on departmental investment plans and project submissions.
- Making available the policy, directives, standards, tools and guidance necessary to support this policy, which is consistent with best practices in the public and private sector.
- Reviewing departmental project management performance, the capacity to manage projects, and assessments of project risk and complexity. They will be reviewed through regular dialogue and work on committees and by examining departmental investment plans, project management capacity assessments, project risk and complexity assessments and relevant submissions. Reviews and external and internal audits will also be noted. Treasury Board Secretariat will continue to conduct formal assessments through appropriate management accountability mechanisms.
- Advising Treasury Board Ministers on departmental management capacity, the conditions of project approvals and the project approval authorities sought by sponsoring ministers.
- Supporting the development of communities of interest and governance for specialized program or business streams, complexity and risk.
- Reviewing the effectiveness of the policy and the related instruments at the five-year mark of the implementation date. Treasury Board will be apprised of the results of this assessment and, if warranted, recommendations for corrective action will be provided.
7. Consequences
7.1 Based on the review of departmental project management performance, the Secretary of the Treasury Board may make appropriate recommendations to the deputy head of a department or to Treasury Board. Recommendations may include such measures as an increase in the department's project approval authority resulting from improved performance and increased capacity. In the event of performance falling short of the requirements of this policy and associated policy instruments, recommendations may include a decrease in the department's project approval authority.
8. Roles and responsibilities of other government departments
Note: This section is meant to inform departments of other significant players in the management of projects. In and of itself, it does not confer an authority.
8.1 Common service organizations in support of projects are:
- Public Works and Government Services Canada for the procurement system by virtue of its powers as established under the Department of Public Works and Government Services Act.
- The Department of Justice Canada for legal services.
9. References
9.1 Policies and related instruments:
Policy Framework for the Management of Assets and Acquired Services
Integrated Risk Management Framework
Policy on Investment Planning – Assets and Acquired Services
Policy on Managing Procurement*
Policy on the Management of Real Property
Policy on Management of Materiel
Policy on Transfer Payments
Risk Management Policy
Management, Resources, and Results Structure Policy
Government Security Policy
Privacy and Data Protection Policy
Privacy Impact Assessment Policy
Standard for Project Complexity and Risk
Standard for Organizational Project Management Capacity
Directive on the Management of IT-Enabled Projects*
Directive on Delegation of Authorities*
Directive on Acquisition Cards*
Directive on Risk Management*
A Guide to Preparing Treasury Board Submissions
Guidance Document: Taking Privacy into Account Before Making Contract Decisions*
Further information
Treasury Board Secretariat will maintain up-to-date information on best practices on its website. Additional background information supporting the implementation of the policy will also be available on the Treasury Board Secretariat's website.
10. Enquiries
Please direct enquiries about this policy to your department's headquarters. For interpretation of this policy, departmental headquarters should contact:
Investment, Project Management and Procurement Policy Division
Treasury Board Secretariat
300 Laurier Ave. West
Ottawa ON K1A 0R5
Telephone: 613-957-2487
Fax: 613-957-2405
E-mail: cmp@tbs-sct.gc.ca
Appendix A – Project Approval Authorities
In exercising oversight, Treasury Board Ministers limit the expenditure authority exercised by ministers in the approval of projects.
The project approval authorities set out in this Appendix provide the threshold above which ministers must seek approval (expenditure authority) from Treasury Board Ministers. Projects exceeding these thresholds require the express approval (expenditure authority) of Treasury Board. Project expenditures, which are not contracts, may be made by departments when projects are within the limits established based on the class of assessed project management capacity and the assessed project risk and complexity. The projects must be included in the department's investment plan. The basis for determining the capacity to manage projects is provided in the Standard for Organizational Project Management Capacity and the basis for determining the level of risk and complexity of a project is provided in the Standard for Project Complexity and Risk.
Note that the authority to proceed with projects differs from the authority to enter into contracts. The authority to enter into contracts can only be obtained through delegation by the Minister of Public Works and Government Services Canada according to the Department of Public Works and Government Services Act.
The project approval authorities are to be regularly reviewed and revised, at least once every three years, normally as part of the consideration of the department's investment plan as set out in the Policy on Investment Planning – Assets and Acquired Services. Treasury Board Secretariat may also make recommendations affecting the limits.
Assessed Project Management Capacity | Assessed Project Risk and Complexity |
Class 4 | Level 4 – Transformational |
Class 3 | Level 3 – Evolutionary |
Class 2 | Level 2 – Tactical |
Class 1 | Level 1 – Sustaining |
Limited or no assessed capacity | $1 M |
Appendix B – Project Brief
1. A project brief provides Treasury Board Ministers or the department's approval authority with a clear understanding of the proposed initiative. It describes the expected outcomes, the significance of the project to achieving program and government objectives, potential options, the performance indicators to be measured and an evaluation strategy that identifies critical milestones ensuring objectives are met and amended only when necessary, and value for money is achieved. It also identifies key decision points or opportunities for review during the life-cycle of the project.
2. A project brief is required when a proposed project exceeds a department's project approval authority (Appendix A). A project brief must be presented to Treasury Board Secretariat to seek Treasury Board approval.
3. A project brief must also be provided to Treasury Board when a department seeks amendments to project approval. Departments must seek amendments to project approval when:
- The total estimated cost of a project changes such that it exceeds previously approved estimates identified in the investment plan or exceeds expenditure limits approved by Treasury Board; or
- The scope or deliverables of the project change such that the expected outcomes of the project are impacted; or
- The risk and complexity assessment of the project is altered so that it affects project objectives and program outcomes.
4. A project brief includes complete descriptions of the following:
4.1 The relationship of the project outcomes to the sponsoring department's mandate, programs and to government-wide objectives.
4.2 The level of service or capability to be developed, accessed or improved and a general description of the good or service and the program outcomes to be achieved.
4.3 The significance of the project in the context of the department's investment plan.
4.4 The scope, schedule, cost and other critical objectives that form the project baseline.
4.5 The performance and outcome management measures, including an evaluation strategy and provision for an independent third-party evaluation when required.
4.6 The business case reflecting the results of benefit-cost and options analyses and a description of each option considered. Comparison of options should be based at a minimum on a preliminary asset life‑cycle cost estimate for each. Any strategic direction that has been given approval-in-principle or that limits available options should be provided.
4.6.1 Business cases are to be prepared according to standards or guidance issued by the Treasury Board Secretariat.
4.7 The segmenting of the project into gates, the proposed phased approach to managing changes and the opportunities for terminating federal involvement.
4.7.1 The estimated schedule from project inception to completion of the project. At a minimum, Treasury Board approval is sought to endorse the strategic assessment and to further refine the business justification and implementation strategy in advance of implementation.
4.8 The proposed timing of reports to Treasury Board and future submissions, when required.
4.9 The governance and management approach to the overall project including:
- Accountability for project outcomes;
- Documented roles and responsibilities of participating departments and of the different units within the lead department;
- The structure and committees focused on achieving the project and program objectives; and
- The nature and extent of consultation with Treasury Board Secretariat and other central agencies.
4.10 The other features of the project that could affect its progress, such as privacy and environmental issues, land claims, regulatory or legislative changes and agreements with other governments, including international or domestic participants.
4.11 The results of the project complexity and risk assessment.
4.12 The communications strategy.
4.13 The procurement strategy, including the procurement review process and the proposed strategy for soliciting and awarding relevant contracts, when required.
4.14 The results of the Privacy or Preliminary Privacy Impact Assessment (PIA/PPIA) and the measures taken or to be taken to address privacy issues and risks.