Control Account Managers; How to Prepare for an Integrated Baseline Review

One of the major responsibilities of the CAM is to be ready for the Integrated Baseline Review (IBR). 

• Confirm compliance with the following business rules:
  • Technical scope of work is fully included & consistent with authorizing documents.
  • Key schedule milestones are identified.
  • Supporting schedules reflect a logical flow to accomplish the technical work scope.
  • Resources (budgets, facilities, personnel, skills, etc.) are adequate and available.
  • Tasks are planned and can be measured objectively, relative to technical progress.
  • Underlying Performance Management Baseline (PMB) rationales are reasonable.
  • Managers have appropriately implemented required management processes.
• Assess the management reserve with respect to project risk not accounted for in the PMB.
• Understand the risks inherent in contractors' performance plans and underlying management control systems.

The Control Account Manager must prepare a number of items and then build the CAM notebook which contains the relevant documentation and be ready to share this during the IBR. Some of the documents that establish the Control Accounts and are used to establish the Performance Measurement Baseline (PMB) need to be developed by the CAMs prior to the IBR:

• Technical scope
• Cost estimate to complete (ETC's)
• WBS, WBS dictionary and Basis of estimates
• Budgets
• Resource plans
• Control Account Plans
• Schedules
• Earned Value / Performance Methods

CAMs can benefit from IBR training to familiarize them with the IBR process, purpose, and documentation and make the process smoother for everyone involved.

CAMs are responsible for multiple meetings to manage the Control Account including team meetings to discuss results of control account manager discussions, sub-team evaluations, risk assessments, and discussions with selected managers to verify the adequacy and risk related to:

• Work authorizations
• Budgets
• ETC’s
• Current and baseline schedules

Pinnacle provides IBR training for CAMs as well as assistance in the CAM notebook preparation. 

To find out more about how we can help you get ready for your program’s Integrated Baseline Review, contact a Pinnacle professional today. Give Us a Call or