NASA Procedural Requirements

NPR 7120.8A Effective Date: September 14, 2018 Expiration Date: September 14, 2028

Subject: NASA Research and Technology Program and Project Management Requirements (Revalidated w/change 5)

Responsible Office: Associate Administrator

Chapter 1. Introduction

1.1 Background

1.1.1 This document establishes the process by which NASA will formulate and implement Research and Technology (R&T) managed or funded by NASA consistent with the governance model contained in NPD 1000.0. NASA manages a wide variety of R&T, including but not limited to, scientific research, aeronautics research, and technology developed for space activities. Due to the wide range of activities, this NPR does not standardize their development into a single process, but rather provides a minimum management requirement set for R&T programs and projects that is tailorable to suit their type and complexity. This NPR then establishes the management processes and practices available for NASA R&T activities and identifies the Decision Authority (DA) responsible for selecting the appropriate process. The requirements of this NPR may be tailored in accordance with Section 5.6.

1.1.2 Central to building this cohesive management process is the introduction of NASA R&T program and project life cycles and identification of the Key Decision Points (KDPs) within these life cycles. Along with program and project life cycles and KDPs, this document also describes the roles and responsibilities of key personnel for NASA R&T program and project management.

1.1.3 This document distinguishes between programmatic requirements and institutional requirements. Both categories of requirements ultimately need to be satisfied in program and project formulation and implementation.

1.1.3.1 Programmatic requirements are the responsibility of the Programmatic Authorities. Programmatic requirements focus on the products to be developed and delivered and specifically relate to the goals and objectives of a particular NASA program or project. Table 1-1 in NPR 7120.5, NASA Space Flight Program and Project Management Requirements provides further details on this flow down from Agency strategic planning through Agency, directorate, program, and project requirement levels to the systems that will be implemented to achieve the Agency goals.

1.1.3.2 Institutional requirements are the responsibility of the Institutional Authorities. They focus on how NASA performs program and project management activities and are independent of any particular program or project. These requirements are issued by NASA Headquarters (including the Office of the Administrator and Mission Support Offices) and by Center organizations. Institutional requirements may respond to Federal statute, regulation, treaty, or Executive Order. They are normally documented in NPDs, NPRs, NASA Standards, Center Policy Directives (CPDs), Center Procedural Requirements (CPRs), and Mission Directorate requirements.

1.2 Overview of Management Process

1.2.1 Program and project management is based on life cycles, KDPs, and evolving products that are embedded in NASA's four-part process for managing programs and projects consisting of:

1.2.1.1 Formulation—the assessment of feasibility, technology, and concepts; risk assessment; team-building; development of concepts and acquisition strategies; establishment of high-level requirements and success criteria; the preparation of plans, budgets, and schedules essential to the success of a program or project; and identification of how the program or project supports the Agency's strategic needs, goals, and objectives.

1.2.1.2 Approval—the ongoing effort by responsible officials above the program and project management level to review plans and performance at KDPs and authorize continuation of the effort and progression to the next phase.

1.2.1.3 Implementation—the execution of approved plans for the development and operation of programs and projects and use of control systems to ensure performance to approved plans and requirements and continued alignment with current Agency strategies.

1.2.1.4 Evaluation—the self-review and independent assessment of the performance of a program or project and incorporation of accepted findings to ensure adequacy of planning and execution according to approved plans and requirements.

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