DOE O 413.3C, Program and Project Management for the Acquisition of Capital Assets
Provides DOE Elements including NNSA with program and project management direction for the acquisition of capital assets with the goal of delivering projects within the original performance baseline (PB) cost and schedule and fully capable of meeting
Supersedes:
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Text extracted from the attached file. Refer to the original document for the authoritative version.
Section 1
AVAILABLE ONLINE AT: INITIATED BY:
www.directives.doe.gov Office of Project Management
U.S. Department of Energy ORDER
Washington, D.C.
Approved: 08-05-2026
SUBJECT: PROGRAM AND PROJECT MANAGEMENT FOR THE ACQUISITION OF
CAPITAL ASSETS
1. PURPOSE.
a. To provide the United States (U.S.) Department of Energy (DOE) elements,
including the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA), with risk-
informed program and project management direction for the acquisition of capital
assets with the goal of delivering projects within the original performance
baseline (PB), cost and schedule, and fully capable of meeting mission
performance, safeguards and security, and environmental, safety, and health
requirements unless impacted by a directed change.
b. To implement Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Circulars to include
A-11, and its supplement, “Capital Programming Guide,” which prescribes new
requirements and leading practices for project and acquisition management;
c. A-123, “Management’s Responsibility for Enterprise Risk Management and
Internal Control,” which defines management’s responsibility for internal control
in federal agencies; and A-131, “Value Engineering,” which requires that all
federal agencies use value engineering (VE) as a management tool.
2. CANCELLATION. This Order cancels DOE Order (O) 413.3B, Chg. 7, Program and
Project Management for the Acquisition of Capital Assets, dated June 21, 2023.
Cancellation of a directive does not, by itself, modify or otherwise affect any contractual
or regulatory obligation to comply with the directive. Contractor Requirements
Documents (CRDs) that have been incorporated into a contract remain in effect
throughout the term of the contract unless and until the contract is modified to either
eliminate requirements that are no longer applicable or substitute a new set of
requirements.
3. APPLICABILITY.
a. Departmental Applicability.
The requirements identified in this Order are mandatory for all DOE elements
(unless identified in paragraph 3.c., Equivalencies/Exemptions) for all capital
asset projects having a total project cost (TPC) greater than the minor construction
threshold or $50 million (whichever is higher), except that during the project
development phase, Under Secretaries may reduce the threshold for nuclear
projects, complex first-of-a-kind projects, or other projects with specific
program guidance.
DOE O 413.3C
2 DOE O 413.3C
08-05-2026
Any reference to a Program Secretarial Officer (PSO) in this Order is also
applicable to the Deputy Administrator/Associate Administrators for the NNSA.
The project management principles [see Appendix C, Paragraph 1], as set forth in
this Order, apply using a tailored approach to all capital asset projects $50 million
and below inclusive of minor construction projects [also referred to as general
plant projects (GPPs)].1
All projects with a TPC greater than the minor construction threshold or
$50 million, whichever is higher, are required to report progress and provide
documentation in the Project Assessment and Reporting System (PARS) at
Critical Decision (CD)-0 and thereafter, in accordance with Appendix C. After
CD-2 is approved, earned value reporting shall apply.
This Order does not apply to financial assistance awards (grants and cooperative
agreements) covered under 2 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) §§ 200, Office
of Management and Budget Guidance, and 910, Uniform Administrative
Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards, and
10 CFR § 600, Assistance Regulations (legacy awards), or to energy savings
performance contracts (ESPCs) as referenced in 48 CFR § 23.205, Energy savings
performance contracts.
Section 2
The Administrator of NNSA will ensure that NNSA employees and contractors
comply with their respective responsibilities under this Directive. Nothing in this
Order will be construed to interfere with the NNSA Administrator’s authority
under Section 3212(d) of Public Law (P.L.) 106-65, National Defense
Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2000, to establish Administration-specific
policies, unless disapproved by the Secretary.
b. DOE Contractors.
Except for the equivalencies/exemptions in paragraph 3.c., the CRD
(Attachment 1) sets forth requirements of this Order that will apply to
contracts that include the CRD.
The CRD must be included in all contracts that make the contractor responsible
for planning, design, construction and execution of capital asset projects subject
to this Order.
1 The minor construction threshold stated in 50 U.S.C. § 2741(2) was $30 million as of the release of DOE
O 413.3B, Chg. 7. Also reference 50 U.S.C. § 2743(e).
DOE O 413.3C 3
08-05-2026
c. Equivalencies/Exemptions/Delegations. Equivalencies and exemptions to this
Order are processed in accordance with DOE O 251.1, Departmental Directives
Program, current version. Central Technical Authority (CTA) (or designee)
concurrence is required for both exemptions and equivalencies to this Order for
nuclear facilities. The Deputy Secretary must approve all equivalencies and
exemptions to the requirements delineated in this Order except for those stipulated
in Paragraphs 3.c.(3)–(5).
(1) Equivalency. In accordance with the responsibilities and authorities
assigned by Executive Order (EO) 12344, Naval Nuclear Propulsion
Program, codified at 50 United States Code (U.S.C) § 2406, Deputy
Administrator for Naval Reactors, and 10 U.S.C § 6102, Naval Nuclear
Propulsion Program, and to ensure consistency through the joint
Navy/DOE Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program, the Deputy Administrator
for Naval Reactors (Director) will implement and oversee requirements
and practices pertaining to this Directive for activities under the Director’s
cognizance, as deemed appropriate.
(2) Equivalency. Bonneville Power Administration in accordance with
Secretarial Delegation Order 00-033.00B, dated July 20, 2009.
(3) Exemption—Specific Capital Asset Project. For PSOs that are not exempt
as defined in paragraph 3.c.(4) of this Order, the Programs may present
cases to the Project Management Risk Committee (PMRC) for a specific
project to have an exemption from a specific Order requirement. If the
consensus of the committee is to endorse the exemption request, approval
of the exemption request will be made by the appropriate Under Secretary.
However, if consensus cannot be attained, at the discretion of the Program,
the exemption request may be forwarded to the Deputy Secretary as the
Chief Executive for Project Management (CE) with formal review by the
PMRC outlining the advantages and disadvantages of the proposed
exemption. In this case, the exemption request will be entered into, and
processed through, the Department’s formal collaboration process.
(4) Exemption. PSOs that meet all of the following criteria may be excluded
from specific requirements of this Order. The intent of this exemption is
to shift CD authority to the PSO and place those activities normally
carried out by the DOE Office of Project Management (PM) in the hands
of the Project Management Support Office (PMSO). They must have:
Section 3
An established PMSO with adequate project management
requirements, processes and procedures defined to enable
continued project success. This will be validated by PM and must
be consistent with the Acquisition Management System delineated
in the Order;
An ongoing set of active capital asset projects, post-CD-2, of over
five projects at any time during the current fiscal year (FY); and
4 DOE O 413.3C
08-05-2026
Completed 90% of projects across a 3-year rolling average, not to
exceed by more than 10% of the original cost and schedule
baselines for the original approved scope at CD-2 for all capital
asset projects with a TPC greater than the minor construction
threshold or $50 million, whichever is higher.
To allow determination of Departmental-wide metrics and to permit an
independent validation of the PSO eligibility to exercise this exemption, all
PSOs are still required to:
Report all projects into PARS monthly, when applicable.
Submit all CD or equivalent documents to PM.
Submit Performance Baseline Change Proposal approvals to PM.
Independent Cost Reviews and/or Independent Cost Estimates will be
performed as delineated in Appendix A, Tables 2 through 4.
For PSOs that are eligible for the exemption, the Deputy Secretary must
take affirmative action and approve the exemption through an action
memorandum from the PSO with concurrence from PM. The Deputy
Secretary may specify exceptions (e.g., retain high profile projects).
Additionally, the nuclear safety-related requirements of the Order
including DOE-Standard (STD)-1189-2016, Integration of Safety into the
Design Process, shall not be exempted. Further, this exemption does not
apply to defense nuclear facilities.
The Deputy Secretary shall rescind this exemption if the PSOs are
unable to maintain the exemption requirements listed previously. The
exemption may also be rescinded at any time at the discretion of the
Deputy Secretary.
(5) Delegation. For national laboratories, sites, or plants managed under
Management and Operating (M&O) contracts, project authority can be
delegated to the M&O contractor for capital asset projects with a TPC less
than $300 million. Delegated projects must follow sound project
management principles. The M&O contractor shall provide the cognizant
Program Office with the equivalent of a project execution plan (PEP), key
performance parameters, and progress milestones based on the complexity
and risk of the project. Based on relatively low risk and demonstration of
sustained successful project execution, capital asset projects, including
standard commercial construction, with a TPC greater than $300 million
may also be delegated to the M&O contractor with Project Management
Executive (PME) approval.
The decision to delegate project authority should be made after
consideration of the TPC, PEP (or equivalent), and the project complexity
and risk level, and should be delegated in writing to the M&O contractor
by the PME.
DOE O 413.3C 5
08-05-2026
(6) When a PSO is no longer exempt, the requirements of this Order must be
implemented within 6 months. Specifically, projects reaching a particular
CD or project closeout within 6 months of exemption rescission are not
required to comply with this Order for approval of that CD. Those
reaching a CD after 6 months of exemption rescission shall comply with
this Order to gain approval of that particular CD or for project closeout.
4. REQUIREMENTS.
a. General.
Section 4
(7) Project management guiding principles and requirements are provided in
Appendix A. Detailed requirements on capital asset projects are provided
in this Order. All projects, with the exception of demolition projects
performed by the Office of Environmental Management (EM), follow
Appendices A, B and C. For demolition projects performed by EM,
Appendix D replaces Appendix A and modifies applicable elements in
Appendices B and C.
(8) Guides are not requirements documents and are not to be construed as
requirements in any audit or appraisal for compliance with the parent
Policy, Order, Notice, or Manual. The Guides referenced in this Order are
meant as suggestions or potential guidelines for content and purpose of
documents. Guides relevant to topics in this Order are available on the
DOE Directives website: https://www.directives.doe.gov/guidance.
Tailoring is necessary for the efficient delivery of projects and should be
applied to all projects considering size, scope, complexity, cost, and risks.
Tailoring does not imply the omission of requirements, and requirements
must be addressed to the extent necessary and practical. Tailoring may
involve consolidation or phasing of CDs, substituting equivalent
documents, using a graded approach to document development and
content, concurrency of processes, or creating a portfolio of projects to
facilitate a single CD or acquisition strategy (AS) for the entire group
of projects.
Tailoring may also include adjusting the scope of independent project
reviews (IPRs) and external independent reviews (EIRs), delegation of
acquisition authority, and other elements. Major tailored elements such as
consolidating or phasing CDs or delegation of Project Management
Executive (PME) duties must be specified in the PEP or the tailoring
strategy and approved by the PME. For Hazard Category 1, 2, and 3
nuclear facilities, the tailoring strategy must include the approach to
satisfying DOE-STD-1189-2016 safety document development.
See Appendix C.
b. Implementation. The requirements in this update must be implemented
immediately upon issuance of this Order. Programs are not required to revisit
previously achieved critical decisions.
6 DOE O 413.3C
08-05-2026
5. RESPONSIBILITIES. Key roles and responsibilities of line managers are described in
Appendix B.
6. INVOKED STANDARDS. The following DOE technical standards and industry
standards are invoked as required methods in this Order in accordance with the
applicability and conditions described within this Order. Any technical standard or
industry standard that is mentioned in or referenced by this Order, but is not included in
the list below, is not invoked by this Order. Note: DOE O 251.1, current version,
Appendix J, provides a definition for “invoked technical standard.”
a. DOE-STD-1189-2016, Integration of Safety into the Design Process. This DOE
technical standard is required to be used for development and integration of safety
analysis and supporting design for new nuclear facilities and applicable
modifications. See Appendix A and Attachment 1 for specific requirements.
b. DOE-STD-1073-2016, Configuration Management. This DOE technical standard
is required to be used in the establishment of a configuration management process
for new nuclear facilities and applicable modifications. See Attachment 1,
Section 9 for specific requirements.
Section 5
c. DOE-STD-1104-2016, Review and Approval of Nuclear Facility Safety Basis and
Safety Design Basis Documents. This DOE technical standard is invoked by
DOE O 420.1, Facility Safety, current version, and therefore treated as a
requirement in this Order for DOE review and approval of safety basis and safety
design-basis documents for nuclear facilities.
7. DEFINITIONS. See Attachment 2. See Attachment 3 for acronyms.
8. REFERENCES. See Attachment 4.
9. CONTACT. Questions concerning this Order should be directed to PM,
pmpolicy@hq.doe.gov.
BY ORDER OF THE SECRETARY OF ENERGY:
JAMES P. DANLY
Deputy Secretary
DOE O 413.3C Table of Contents
08-05-2026 i
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Appendix A, Requirements
1. Objective ............................................................................................................................ A-1
2. Department of Energy (DOE) Acquisition Management System ...................................... A-1
3. CD Approval Authority and Thresholds ............................................................................ A-3
a. Major System Projects ................................................................................................ A-3
b. Non-Major System Projects ....................................................................................... A-3
4. Requirements for Approval of Critical Decisions ............................................................. A-4
a. CD-0, Approve Mission Need .................................................................................... A-4
b. CD-1, Approve Alternative Selection and Cost Range .............................................. A-6
c. CD-2, Approve Performance Baseline ....................................................................... A-9
d. CD-3, Approve Start of Construction/Execution ..................................................... A-13
e. CD-4, Approve Start of Operations or Project Completion ..................................... A-14
f. Project Closeout ....................................................................................................... A-16
5. Application of Requirements for Different Circumstances ............................................. A-16
a. Environmental Management Cleanup Projects ........................................................ A-16
b. Design-Build Projects ............................................................................................... A-16
c. Projects Requiring Long-Lead Procurement ............................................................ A-17
d. Commissioning of Capital Asset Projects for Nuclear/Chemical Process Facilities A-17
e. Alternative Financing ............................................................................................... A-18
6. Baseline Management ...................................................................................................... A-18
a. Performance Baseline Deviation .............................................................................. A-18
b. Performance Baseline Changes ................................................................................ A-19
c. Directed Changes ..................................................................................................... A-20
d. Change Control ......................................................................................................... A-20
e. Contract Modifications for New Performance Baseline, if Applicable ................... A-20
Section 6
f. Cancellations of Projects .......................................................................................... A-20
7. Energy Systems Acquisition Advisory Board ................................................................. A-21
a. ESAAB Membership ................................................................................................ A-22
b. “Paper” ESAAB: Streamlined ESAAB Process ...................................................... A-23
c. ESAAB Issue Resolution ......................................................................................... A-23
d. ESAAB Secretariat ................................................................................................... A-23
Table of Contents DOE O 413.3C
ii 08-05-2026
e. Non-Major System Project Advisory Boards ........................................................... A-23
f. Project Management Risk Committee ...................................................................... A-24
Appendix B, Responsibilities
1. Deputy Secretary (Chief Executive for Project Management) ...........................................B-1
2. Under Secretaries ................................................................................................................B-2
3. Program Secretarial Officers and Deputy Administrators/Associate Administrators for the
NNSA ..................................................................................................................................B-2
4. Project Owner .....................................................................................................................B-3
5. Project Management Support Offices (when established) ..................................................B-4
6. Program Managers and Heads of Field Organizations .......................................................B-4
7. Project Management Executives .........................................................................................B-5
8. Federal Project Director ......................................................................................................B-6
9. Departmental Staff and Support Offices .............................................................................B-8
10. DOE/NNSA Senior Procurement Executives .....................................................................B-8
11. Contracting Officer
12. Office of Environment, Health, Safety and Security ..........................................................B-8
13. Office of Enterprise Assessments .......................................................................................B-9
14. Office of Project Management ............................................................................................B-9
15. Integrated Project Team ....................................................................................................B-10
16. Central Technical Authorities ...........................................................................................B-11
17. Chief of Defense Nuclear Safety and Chief of Nuclear Safety ........................................B-12
18. Project Management Governance Board ..........................................................................B-12
a. Responsibilities .........................................................................................................B-12
b. Membership ...............................................................................................................B-13
Section 7
Appendix C
1. Project Management Principles ..........................................................................................C-1
2. Acquisition Strategy (AS) ...................................................................................................C-3
3. Analysis of Alternatives (AoA) ..........................................................................................C-4
4. Baseline Clarity ...................................................................................................................C-4
5. Cost Estimating ...................................................................................................................C-4
6. Design Management ...........................................................................................................C-5
a. Design Management for Nuclear Facilities .................................................................C-5
DOE O 413.3C Table of Contents
08-05-2026 iii
b. Design Management for Non-Nuclear Construction ...................................................C-6
c. Design Management Plans for Major System Projects ...............................................C-6
7. Design Maturity ..................................................................................................................C-6
8. Earned Value Management System ..................................................................................C-10
a. EVMS Certification ...................................................................................................C-11
b. EVMS Surveillance ...................................................................................................C-11
9. Environment, Safety and Health Documentation Development .......................................C-11
10. Integrated Project Team ....................................................................................................C-13
11. Integrated Safety Management System (ISMS) ...............................................................C-14
12. Key Performance Parameters ............................................................................................C-14
13. Lessons Learned Process ..................................................................................................C-15
14. Nuclear Facilities: Safety Design Strategy (SDS) and Code of Record ...........................C-15
15. Performance Baseline .......................................................................................................C-16
16. Planning and Scheduling...................................................................................................C-16
17. Project Definition Rating Index (PDRI) ...........................................................................C-16
18. Project Execution Plan ......................................................................................................C-16
19. Project Funding .................................................................................................................C-16
a. Incremental Funding ..................................................................................................C-16
b. Funding Profiles ........................................................................................................C-17
c. Funding Documents ..................................................................................................C-17
Section 8
d. Project Engineering and Design Funds .....................................................................C-17
e. Align Priorities to Program Appropriations ..............................................................C-17
20. Project Reporting, Assessments, and Progress Reviews ..................................................C-17
a. Project Reporting .......................................................................................................C-17
b. Project Assessments ..................................................................................................C-18
c. Project Progress Reviews ..........................................................................................C-19
21. Project Scope ....................................................................................................................C-19
22. Quality Assurance .............................................................................................................C-19
23. Reviews .............................................................................................................................C-20
a. Prior to CD-0 .............................................................................................................C-20
b. Prior to CD-1 .............................................................................................................C-20
c. Prior to CD-2 .............................................................................................................C-22
Table of Contents DOE O 413.3C
iv 08-05-2026
d. Prior to CD-3 .............................................................................................................C-23
e. Prior to CD-4 .............................................................................................................C-24
24. Project Peer Reviews ........................................................................................................C-24
25. Risk Management .............................................................................................................C-25
26. Safeguards and Security ....................................................................................................C-25
27. Tailoring ............................................................................................................................C-26
a. General ......................................................................................................................C-26
b. Phasing ......................................................................................................................C-26
c. Environmental Management Cleanup Projects .........................................................C-29
d. Design-Build .............................................................................................................C-29
e. Long-Lead Procurement ............................................................................................C-30
28. Site Development Planning...............................................................................................C-30
29. Technology Readiness Assessment ..................................................................................C-30
Appendix D
1. OBJECTIVE ...................................................................................................................... D-1
2. APPLICABILITY .............................................................................................................. D-2
Section 9
3. DEFINITIONS ................................................................................................................... D-2
4. OVERVIEW OF EM DEMOLITION PROJECTS AND RELATIONSHIP TO PROJECT
MANAGEMENT ............................................................................................................... D-2
5. OVERVIEW OF EM DEMOLITION PROJECT CRITICAL DECISIONS .................... D-3
6. CRITICAL DECISION APPROVAL AUTHORITY AND THRESHOLDS .................. D-4
7. REQUIREMENTS FOR APPROVAL OF CRITICAL DECISIONS .............................. D-5
a. CD-0/1, Document Mission Need/Alternative Selection and Cost Range ................. D-5
b. CD-2/3, Approve Performance Baseline/Start of Demolition Activity for EM
Demolition Projects .................................................................................................... D-8
c. CD-4, Approve Project Completion ......................................................................... D-13
d. Project Closeout ....................................................................................................... D-14
8. PROJECTS REQUIRING LONG-LEAD PROCUREMENTS ...................................... D-15
9. BASELINE MANAGEMENT ........................................................................................ D-16
a. Performance Baseline Deviation .............................................................................. D-16
b. Performance Baseline Changes ................................................................................ D-16
c. Directed Changes ..................................................................................................... D-18
d. Change Control ......................................................................................................... D-18
DOE O 413.3C Table of Contents
08-05-2026 v
e. Contract Modifications for New Performance Baseline, if Applicable ................... D-18
f. Cancellation of Projects ............................................................................................ D-18
10. REFERENCES ................................................................................................................ D-18
List of Attachments
Attachment 1 ............................................................................ Contractor Requirements Document
Attachment 2 ....................................................................................................................Definitions
Attachment 3 ..................................................................................................................... Acronyms
Attachment 4 .................................................................................................................... References
List of Tables
Table 1: CD Authority Thresholds ..................................................................................................4
Table 2: CD-0 Requirements1 ..........................................................................................................5
Table 3: CD-1 Requirements1 .........................................................................................................7
Table 4: CD-2 Requirements1 .........................................................................................................9
Table 5: CD-3 Requirements1 ........................................................................................................13
Section 10
Table 6: CD-4 Requirements1 .......................................................................................................15
Table 7: Project Closeout Requirements1 .....................................................................................16
Table 8: Performance Baseline Change Authority ........................................................................19
Table 1: Demolition Project Phases, Requirements Areas, and Potentially Equivalent
Documentation ........................................................................................................................6
Table 2: Requirements Prior to CD-0/1 for Demolition Projects for which Regulatory
Framework is Not Applicable or Not Fully Equivalent ........................................................10
Table 3: Requirements for All Demolition Projects Prior to CD-2/3 ...........................................10
Table 4: Requirements for All Demolition Projects after CD-2/3 Approval ................................12
Table 5: CD-4 Requirements1 for All Demolition Projects ..........................................................14
Table 6: Project Closeout Requirements1 for All Demolition Projects .........................................15
Table 7: Performance Baseline Change Authority ........................................................................17
Table of Contents DOE O 413.3C
vi 08-05-2026
List of Figures
Figure 1: Typical DOE Acquisition Management System for line-item capital asset projects ......2
Figure 2: Typical DOE Acquisition Management System for other capital asset projects (i.e.,
major items of equipment and operating expense projects) ....................................................3
Figure 1: Facility Design Maturity General Guidelines for CD-2 ..................................................9
Figure 2: Phasing of a large project into subprojects ....................................................................27
DOE O 413.3C Appendix A
08-05-2026 A-1
APPENDIX A
REQUIREMENTS
1. Objective.
The Department’s ultimate objective is to deliver every project at the original
performance baseline (PB), on schedule, within budget, and fully capable of meeting
mission performance, safeguards and security, quality assurance (QA), sustainability, and
environmental, safety, and health requirements. Consistent with this objective, a project
shall be completed at Critical Decision (CD)-4 within the original approved performance
baseline (CD-2), unless otherwise impacted by a directed change. The execution of these
objectives will likely require tailoring depending on the characteristics of the respective
project.
The authority and accountability for any project, including its costs, must be vested
firmly in the hands of the Federal Project Director (FPD).
Some cost estimate, or cost range, should be provided at each CD gateway, but the degree
of rigor and detail for a cost estimate should be carefully defined, depending on the
degree of confidence in project scale and scope that is reasonable to expect at that stage.
Whatever figure or range that is provided should explicitly note relevant caveats
concerning uncertainties inherent in estimates at CD-0 and CD-1 stages.
A project owner should never be the sole cost estimator, at any stage (i.e., from CD-0 on),
given the inherent conflict of interest.
The second cost estimator should come from outside of the line manager’s chain of
command, to avoid conflict of interest.
Section 11
2. Department of Energy (DOE) Acquisition Management System.
The DOE Acquisition Management System establishes principles and processes that
translate user needs and technological opportunities into reliable and sustainable
facilities, systems, and assets that provide a required mission capability. The system will
be organized by project phases and CDs, progressing from broadly stated mission needs
into well-defined requirements resulting in operationally effective, suitable, and
affordable facilities, systems, and other products.
Within DOE, projects typically progress through five CDs, which serve as major
milestones approved by the Chief Executive for Project Management (CE) or Project
Management Executive (PME). Each CD marks an authorization to increase the
commitment of resources by DOE and requires successful completion of the preceding
phase or CD. The amount of time between decisions will vary. The CDs are:
CD-0, Approve Mission Need. There is a need that cannot be met through other
than material means.
CD-1, Approve Alternative Selection and Cost Range. The selected alternative
and approach is the optimum solution.
Appendix A DOE O 413.3C
A-2 08-05-2026
CD-2, Approve Performance Baseline. Definitive scope, schedule, and cost
baselines have been developed.
CD-3, Approve Start of Construction/Execution. The project is ready for
implementation.
CD-4, Approve Start of Operations or Project Completion. The project is ready
for turnover or transition to operations, if applicable.
Figure 1 illustrates the requirements for the typical implementation of the DOE
Acquisition Management System for line-item capital asset projects. Figure 2 depicts the
implementation for other capital asset projects such as major items of equipment (MIE)
and operating expense (OE) projects. When project design scope meets maturity and risk
acceptance thresholds, risk-informed permanent plant construction (CD-3X for work such
as concrete placement, structural steel installation, etc.) is allowed prior to CD-3 approval
with concurrence from the DOE Field/Site Office or PME.
Figure 1: Typical DOE Acquisition Management System for line-item capital asset projects
DOE O 413.3C Appendix A
08-05-2026 A-3
Figure 2: Typical DOE Acquisition Management System for other capital asset projects (i.e.,
major items of equipment and operating expense projects)
3. CD Approval Authority and Thresholds.
The Deputy Secretary serves as the Department’s CE and promulgates Department-wide
policy and direction. The CD authorities, thresholds and delegations are identified
in Table 1.
a. Major System Projects. Projects with a total project cost (TPC) greater than or
equal to $1 billion are major system projects. All major system project CDs must
be proposed by the appropriate PSO and approved by the Deputy Secretary as
DOE’s designated CE before proceeding to the next project phase or CD.
b. Non-Major System Projects. Projects with a TPC less than $1 billion are non-
major system projects. The designated PME must approve all non-major system
project CDs, except for CD-0, which cannot be delegated below the PSO.
Appendix A DOE O 413.3C
A-4 08-05-2026
Table 1: CD Authority Thresholds
Critical Decision
Authority Total Project Cost Thresholds
Deputy Secretary
≥$1 billion
(or any project on an exception basis when designated by the Deputy Secretary)
Further delegation is allowed.
Section 12
Under Secretaries
≥$300 million and <$1 billion
(or any project on an exception basis when designated by the Under Secretaries)
Further delegation is allowed.
Program Secretarial
Officer
>Minor Construction Threshold or $50 million (whichever is higher) and
<$300 million
Further delegation is allowed.
4. Requirements for Approval of Critical Decisions.
a. CD-0, Approve Mission Need.
The initiation phase begins with the identification of a mission-related need. A
Program Office will identify a credible performance gap between its current
capabilities and capacities and those required to achieve the goals articulated in its
strategic plan. The mission need statement is the translation of this gap into
functional requirements that cannot be met through other than material means. It
should describe the general parameters of the solution and why it is critical to the
overall accomplishment of the Department’s mission, including the benefits to be
realized. The mission need is independent of a particular solution, and should not
be defined by equipment, facility, technological solution, or physical end-item.
This approach allows the Program Office the flexibility to explore a variety of
solutions and not limit potential solutions (refer to DOE Guide (G) 413.3-17,
Mission Need Statement, current version). Table 2 lists the requirements needed
to attain CD-0.
The cost range provided at CD-0 should be rough-order of magnitude (ROM) and
is used to determine the PME authority designation. It does not represent the PB,
which will be established at CD-2.
The project name defined at CD-0 approval, in consultation with program budget
staff, will be used to establish the project record in PARS, and on all project
documentation and project data sheet (PDS) submittals. The project name will
remain the same for the life of the project unless Congressional action requires a
name change.
Line-item construction projects are appropriated project funds at either the total
estimated cost (TEC) or TPC level.
DOE O 413.3C Appendix A
08-05-2026 A-5
Table 2: CD-0 Requirements1
Prior to CD-0 Approval Authority2
Perform pre-conceptual planning activities that focus on the Program Offices’ strategic
goals and objectives, safety planning, design, development of capability gaps, high-level
project parameters, a ROM cost range, and schedule estimates.
Perform a mission validation independent review on all major system projects. (Refer
to DOE G 413.3-9, current version.)
PSO
Approve a mission need statement document with recommendation from the Office of
Project Management (PM) for projects with a TPC ≥$300 million. (Refer to
DOE G 413.3-17, current version.)
PSO
For major system projects, or for projects as designated by the CE, PM will conduct an
independent cost review (ICR).
For major system projects, the Project Management Risk Committee (PMRC) will
review and analyze the CD and make recommendations to the Energy Systems
Acquisition Advisory Board (ESAAB), CE, or PME, as applicable, before approval.
CE ≥$1 billion
For NNSA only, prepare a program requirements document that defines the ultimate
goals which the project must satisfy. (Refer to National Nuclear Security
Administration [NNSA] Business and Operating Policy.)
PSO
For Hazard Category 1, 2, and 3 nuclear facilities, and to the specificity possible,
document DOE expectations for safety-in-design. (Refer to DOE-STD-1189-2016.)
Safety Basis
Approval Authority
(SBAA)
Post-CD-0 Approval
Section 13
Submit all CD documents to PM.
Develop a project data sheet (PDS) for line-item projects to request project engineering
and design (PED) funds. Develop funding documents for MIE or OE projects for the
design, and Office of Management and Budget A-11, Business Cases. (Refer to DOE
Chief Financial Officer (CFO) budget call for PDS and business case template.)
Initiate monthly PARS reporting (excluding earned value data). FPD, program manager,
and PM will provide monthly assessments, as appropriate.
Initiate quarterly project reviews (QPRs) with the PME or their designee.
Conduct a project peer review of active projects when the top-end range is $300 million
or greater.
Proceed with conceptual planning and design used to develop alternative concepts and
functional requirements using operating funds.
NOTES:
1. Documents and reports are not intended to be and may be combined.
2. Where no approval authorities are noted, authorities are established through other directives or the Program Offices
(e.g., Functions and Requirements Assignment Matrix).
3. Title 10 CFR §830 does not apply to accelerators and their operations.
Appendix A DOE O 413.3C
A-6 08-05-2026
b. CD-1, Approve Alternative Selection and Cost Range. CD-1 approval marks the
completion of the project definition phase and the conceptual design. This is an
iterative process to define, analyze, and refine project concepts and alternatives.
This process uses a systems engineering methodology that integrates requirements
analysis, safety strategies, risk identification and analysis, acquisition strategies,
and concept exploration in order to evolve a cost-effective, preferred solution to
meet a mission need (refer to DOE G 413.3-1, current version, for more
information). The recommended alternative should provide the essential
functions and capabilities at an optimum life-cycle cost, consistent with required
cost, scope, schedule, performance, and risk considerations. It should be reflected
in the site’s long-range planning documents as well. Approval of CD-1 provides
the authorization to begin the project execution phase and allows PED funds to be
used. Table 3 lists the requirements needed to attain CD-1.
For each project, the appropriate Under Secretary will designate a project owner.
Each Under Secretary will also establish a clear line of functional responsibility
that extends from the Under Secretary through the project owner and to the FPD.
This shall be documented in the preliminary project execution plan at CD-1.
The cost range provided at CD-1 is the preliminary estimate for the selected
alternative. As CD-1 progresses to CD-2, the TPC will be refined and the TPC
established at CD-2 may be higher than the range defined at CD-1, in which case
the PME must be notified. The CD-1 cost range is not the PB cost. The PB
against which project success is measured will be established at CD-2. The only
exception is when a construction budget request is submitted in advance of an
approved CD-2. In this circumstance, refer to Appendix A, paragraph 4.c.(2).
Section 14
If the top end of the original approved CD-1 cost range grows by more than 50%
as the project proceeds toward CD-2, the program, in coordination with the PME,
must reassess the alternative selection process. Upon completing the review, the
PME must approve a revised CD-1 identifying the new or reaffirmed selected
alternative and an updated CD-1 cost range. This revised CD-1 information, to
include the new CD-1 cost range and CD-1 approval date, will be reflected within
PARS and all subsequent PDS and similar project documentation. Lessons
learned shall be captured by the Program in consultation with the FPD during this
reassessment of a selected alternative and entered into the DOE lessons learned
system of record, currently known as DOE OPEXShare, as described in
DOE O 210.2, Corporate Operating Experience Program, current version.
DOE O 413.3C Appendix A
08-05-2026 A-7
Table 3: CD-1 Requirements1
Prior to CD-1 Approval Authority2
Approve an acquisition strategy (AS) with endorsement from PM for major system
projects. (Refer to DOE G 413.3-13, current version.)
PSO
Approve a preliminary PEP. The tailoring strategy, if required, can be included in the
PEP or placed in a separate document. (Refer to DOE G 413.3-15, current version.)
CE or PME
Approve appointment of the Federal Project Director considering the requirements in
DOE O 361.1, current version.
CE or PME
Establish and charter an integrated project team to include a responsibility assignment
matrix. The Charter may be included in the PEP. (Refer to DOE G 413.3-18, current
version.)
PSO ≥$1 billion
FPD <$1 billion
Develop a Risk Management Plan (RMP) and complete an initial risk assessment of a
recommended alternative. This may be included in the PEP. For evaluating the
safety-in-design strategy, prepare risk and opportunity assessments for input to the
RMP. (Refer to DOE G 413.3-7, current version, and DOE-STD-1189-2016.)
For projects with a TPC ≥$300 million, PM will develop an independent cost estimate
and/or conduct an independent cost review, as they deem appropriate.
For projects with a TPC ≥$300 million, the PMRC will review and analyze the CD and
make recommendations to the ESAAB, CE, or PME, as applicable, before approval.
CE ≥$1 billion
PME <$1 billion
Comply with the one-for-one replacement legislation (excess space/offset requirement)
as mandated in House Report 109-86.
For major system projects, develop a design management plan that establishes design
maturity targets at critical milestones through final design.
Complete a conceptual design.
Conduct a design review of the conceptual design with reviewers external to the
project.
For Hazard Category 1, 2, and 3 nuclear facilities, a code of record shall be
initiated during the conceptual design.
Complete a conceptual design report. Refer to Appendix C, paragraph 8.
Conduct an analysis of alternatives (AoA) that is independent of the contractor
organization responsible for managing the construction or constructing the capital asset
project, for projects with an estimated TPC greater than the minor construction threshold
or $50 million, whichever is higher. (Refer to Government Accountability Office [GAO]-
16-22.) The AoA may require life-cycle cost estimates to distinguish between
alternatives.
PME
For major system projects, or first-of-a-kind engineering endeavors, conduct a technology
readiness assessment and develop a technology maturation plan, as appropriate. At this
stage, each critical technology item or system shall achieve a Technology Readiness
Level 4 (TRL-4). (Refer to DOE G 413.3-4, current version.)
Section 15
PME
Prepare a Preliminary Hazard Analysis Report (PHAR) for facilities that are below the
Hazard Category 3 nuclear facility threshold as defined in 10 CFR § 830, Subpart B.
Field Organization
Develop and implement an Integrated Safety Management Plan into management and work
process planning at all levels per DOE G 450.4-1 (current version).
Appendix A DOE O 413.3C
A-8 08-05-2026
Establish a Quality Assurance Program (QAP). (Refer to 10 CFR § 830, Subpart A,
DOE O 414.1, Quality Assurance, current version, and DOE G 413.3-2, Change Control
Management Guide, current version.) For nuclear facilities, the applicable national
consensus standard shall be Nuclear Quality Assurance (NQA)-1-2008 (Edition) and
NQA-1a-2009 (Addenda).
Identify general Safeguards and Security requirements for the recommended alternative.
(Refer to DOE O 470.4, Safeguards and Security Programs, current version and DOE G
413.3-3, Safeguards and Security for Program and Project Management, current version.)
Complete a National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) strategy by issuing a
determination (e.g., environmental assessment), as required by DOE Policy (P) 451.1,
National Environmental Policy Act Compliance Program, current version. Prepare an
Environmental Compliance Strategy, to include a schedule for timely acquisition of
required permits and licenses.
Update (or prepare if not already available) project data sheet, or other funding documents
for MIE and OE projects, and A-11 business case, if applicable. This must contain an
estimate of the required amount of PED funds to execute the planning and design portion
of a project (period from CD-1 to completion of the project’s design). (Refer to DOE CFO
budget call for PDS and business case template.)
Conduct a preliminary security risk assessment, if necessary. (Refer to DOE O 470.4,
current version, and DOE G 413.3-3, current version.)
For Hazard Category 1, 2, and 3 nuclear facilities, prepare a safety design strategy (SDS)
to guide the development of the conceptual design, with the concurrence of the Chief of
Nuclear Safety (CNS) or with written advice of the Chief of Defense Nuclear Safety
(CDNS), as appropriate, for projects subject to DOE-STD-1189-2016.
SBAA and FPD
For Hazard Category 1, 2, and 3 nuclear facilities, conduct an independent project review
(IPR) to ensure early integration of safety into the design process. (Refer to DOE G 413.3-
9, current version and DOE-STD-1189-2016.)
PSO
Prepare a conceptual safety design report (CSDR)4 for Hazard Category 1, 2, and 3
nuclear facilities, including preliminary hazard analysis. For a project involving a
major modification of an existing facility, the SDS must address the need for a CSDR, as
well as the required preliminary documented safety analysis (PDSA). (Refer to
DOE-STD-1189-2016.)
SBAA via the Safety
Review Letter
Prepare a safety review letter, with concurrence from the FPD, on the DOE review of
the CSDR for Hazard Category 1, 2, and 3 nuclear facilities. (Refer to DOE-STD-
1189-2016 and DOE-STD-1104-2016.)
SBAA
Post-CD-1 Approval
Submit all CD documents to PM.
Begin expenditure of PED, MIE, or OE funds for the project design.
Develop an acquisition plan, if applicable.
Continue monthly PARS reporting (excluding earned value). FPD, program manager,
and PM will provide monthly assessments, as appropriate.
Section 16
Annually conduct project peer reviews of active projects when the top-end range is
$300 million or greater. Individuals leading project peer reviews, or other reviews
intended to meet the project peer review requirements in this Order, shall elicit lessons
learned with potential Department-wide implications and submit them into DOE lessons
learned system of record, as described in DOE O 210.2, current version.
Continue QPRs with the PME of their designee.
DOE O 413.3C Appendix A
08-05-2026 A-9
For nuclear facilities, develop a checkout, testing and commissioning plan in preparation
for acceptance and turnover of the structures, systems, and components at CD-4. (Refer to
DOE-STD-1189-2016.)
NOTES:
1. Documents and reports are not intended to be and may be combined.
2. Where no approval authorities are noted, authorities are established through other directives or the Program Offices
(e.g., Functions and Requirements Assignment Matrix).
3. Title 10 CFR § 830 does not apply to accelerators and their operations.
4. Per 10 CFR § 830.206(b), a major modification of an existing Hazard Category 1, 2 or 3 nuclear facility requires DOE
approval of the nuclear safety design criteria to be used in the PDSA, unless the contractor uses the design criteria in
DOE O 420.1, current version. Content requirements and guidance for the SDS are specified in DOE-STD-1189-2016.
c. CD-2, Approve Performance Baseline.
(1) Completion of preliminary design is the first major milestone in the
project execution phase. The design must be sufficiently mature (refer to
Appendix C, paragraph 8) at the time of CD-2 approval to provide
reasonable assurance that the design will be implementable within the
approved PB. The document signed by the CE or PME approving CD-2
must clearly specify the project’s approved PB, which includes the TPC,
CD-4 date (month and year), scope and minimum key performance
parameters (KPPs) that must be achieved at CD-4. Table 4 lists the
requirements needed to attain CD-2.
Table 4: CD-2 Requirements1
Prior to CD-2
Approval
Authority2
Approve an updated acquisition strategy if there are any major changes to
the acquisition approach. Obtain endorsement from PM for major system
projects. (Refer to DOE G 413.3-13, current version.)
PSO
Establish a PB, reflective of identified and assessed risks and
uncertainties, to include scope, TPC, CD-4 date, and minimum KPPs (if
applicable). The key project milestones and completion dates shall be
stated no less specific than month and year. The scope will be stated in
quantity, size, and other parameters that give shape and form to the
project. The funding assumptions upon which the PB is predicated will
be clearly documented and approved. (Refer to DOE G 413.3-5, current
version.)
FPD
Approve updated PEP. (Refer to DOE G 413.3-15, current version.) CE or PME
Prepare a funding profile to support the execution of the PB and
reflect in the budget document. The funding profile may be
included in the PEP.
CE or PME
Approve long-lead item procurements, if necessary. Approval may
be concurrent with (or prior to) CD-2 approval. (Long-lead item
procurement approval will be designated as CD-3A.)5
CE or PME
Develop a project management plan, if applicable. (Refer to
Attachment 1.)
Appendix A DOE O 413.3C
A-10 08-05-2026
Prior to CD-2
Approval
Authority2
Section 17
Perform a PB external independent review (EIR) or an IPR. PM will
conduct EIRs to validate the PB for projects with a TPC ≥$300 million.
PM must issue a PB validation letter to the PSO that describes the cost,
schedule, and scope being validated. Project Management Support
Office (PMSO) will conduct IPRs to validate the PB for projects with a
TPC <$300 million. (Refer to DOE G 413.3-9, current version). For
projects with a TPC ≥$100 million, PM will develop an independent
cost estimate (ICE). The ICE will support validation of the PB.
PM ≥$300 million
PMSO
<$300 million
Complete a preliminary and/or final design. Hazard Category 1, 2, and
3 nuclear facilities shall achieve at least 90% design completion prior
to CD-2 approval. Non-nuclear project designs shall be sufficiently
mature to prepare a project baseline with 70–90% confidence prior to
CD-2 approval. (See Appendix C, paragraph 7a for definition of 90%
design complete.)
Conduct a design review of the preliminary and final designs.
For Hazard Category 1, 2, and 3 nuclear facilities, design reviews
should include a focus on safety and security systems. Additionally,
the Code of Record shall be placed under configuration control
during preliminary design. It is controlled during final design and
construction with a process for reviewing and evaluating new and
revised requirements. New or modified requirements are
implemented if technical evaluations determine that there is a
substantial increase in the overall protection of the worker, public
or environment, and that the direct and indirect costs of
implementation are justified in view of this increased protection.
Complete a preliminary design report.
For projects with a TPC $300 million, the PMRC will review and
analyze the CD and make recommendations to the ESAAB, CE, or PME,
as applicable, before approval.
CE ≥$1 billion
PME <$1 billion
Conduct a project definition rating index analysis, as appropriate, for
projects with a TPC ≥$300million. PM will review as part of the EIR.
(Refer to DOE G 413.3-12, current version.)
FPD
For major system projects, or first-of-a-kind engineering endeavors,
conduct a technology readiness assessment and develop a technology
maturation plan, as appropriate. At this stage, each critical technology
item or system shall achieve a TRL-7. (Refer to DOE G 413.3-4, current
version.)
PME
Employ an Earned Value Management System compliant with EIA-748,
current version, or as required by the contract. This is performed by the
contractor. (Refer to DOE G 413.3-10, current version.)
Prepare a hazard analysis report for facilities that are below the Hazard
Category 3 nuclear facility threshold as defined in 10 CFR § 830,
Subpart B, by updating the PHAR based on new hazards and design
information.
Field Organization
Determine that the Quality Assurance Program is acceptable and
continues to apply. (Refer to 10 CFR § 830, Subpart A, DOE O 414.1,
current version, and DOE G 413.3-2, current version.)
DOE O 413.3C Appendix A
08-05-2026 A-11
Prior to CD-2
Approval
Authority2
Issue the final environmental impact statement or environmental
assessment and finding of no significant impact, as required by
10 CFR § 1021, National Environmental Policy Act Implementing
Procedures. For an environmental impact statement, the appropriate
authority shall issue the record of decision after CD-2 is granted, but
prior to CD-3 approval. (Refer to DOE P 451.1, current version.)
Section 18
Update project data sheet, or other funding documents for MIE and
OE projects, and A-11 business case, if applicable. (Refer to DOE
CFO budget call for PDS and business case template.)
For Hazard Category 1, 2, and 3 nuclear facilities, conduct a
technical independent project review (TIPR). The TIPR is required
at or near the completion of the preliminary design. The TIPR is not
required for non-nuclear facilities. (Refer to DOE G 413.3-9,
current version).
PSO
For Hazard Category 1, 2, and 3 nuclear facilities, update the safety
design strategy, with the concurrence of CNS or with written advice
from CDNS, as appropriate, for projects subject to DOE-STD-1189-
2016.
SBAA and
FPD
Prepare preliminary safety and design results3 that update the CSDR
for Hazard Category 1, 2, and 3 nuclear facilities based on updated
hazard analysis and design information. These results complete the
preliminary design phase and allow for DOE review prior to
completing the final design phase. (Refer to DOE-STD-1189-2016.)
SBAA via the
Safety Review
Letter
Prepare a safety review letter, with concurrence from the FPD,
based on a DOE review of the preliminary safety and design results
for Hazard Category 1, 2, and 3 nuclear facilities. This DOE review
should be scheduled as early as practicable, after contractor
completion of the preliminary design, to minimize project risk.
(Refer to DOE-STD-1189-2016 and DOE-STD-1104-2016.)
SBAA
Prepare the PDSA4 for newly planned Hazard Category 1, 2, and 3
nuclear facilities based on updated hazard analysis and design
information and, also, for major modifications of existing facilities.
(Refer to 10 CFR § 830, Subpart B, and DOE-STD-1189-2016.)
SBAA via the
SER
Prepare a safety evaluation report (SER), with concurrence from the
FPD, based on review of the PDSA for Hazard Category 1, 2, and 3
nuclear facilities. (Refer to 10 CFR § 830, Subpart B, and DOE-
STD-1104-2016.)
SBAA
Submit all CD documents, and if there are changes to the PB, submit
baseline change proposal (BCP) documents to PM.
For projects with a TPC ≥$300 million, the PMRC will review and
analyze the PB deviation disposition request and make
recommendations to the ESAAB, CE, or PME, as applicable, before
approval. The resulting BCP must also be presented to the PMRC
before convening an ESAAB.
CE ≥$1 billion
PME
<$1 billion
Obtain PME endorsement on any changes to the approved funding
profile that negatively impacts the project.
Appendix A DOE O 413.3C
A-12 08-05-2026
Prior to CD-2
Approval
Authority2
Continue monthly PARS reporting (including earned value data).
FPD, program manager, and PM will provide monthly assessments.
Continue QPRs with the PME or their designee.
Annually conduct project peer reviews for projects with a TPC
>$300 million. Individuals leading project peer reviews, or other
reviews intended to meet the project peer review requirements in this
Order shall elicit lessons learned with potential Department-wide
implications and submit them into DOE lessons learned system of
record, as described in DOE O 210.2 (current version).
NOTES:
1. Documents and reports are not intended to be and may be combined.
2. Where no approval authorities are noted, authorities are established through other directives or the
Program Offices (e.g., Functions and Requirements Assignment Matrix).
3. Title 10 CFR § 830 does not apply to accelerators and their operations.
Section 19
4. Per 10 CFR § 830.206(b), a major modification of an existing Hazard Category 1, 2 or 3 nuclear
facility requires DOE approval of the nuclear safety design criteria to be used in the PDSA, unless
the contractor uses the design criteria in DOE O § 420.1, current version. Content requirements
and guidance for the SDS are specified in DOE-STD-1189-2016.
5. There are some statutory (appropriation and authorization) and/or regulatory provisions that
implicate this Order. Solely for purpose of the application of appropriations and authorization laws
and regulations and for any approvals under those laws and regulations, CD-3A (or CD-3X) will be
treated as separate from and not within the scope of those laws and regulations as they pertain to
CD-2 and CD-3. For all other purposes, from a project management perspective, CD-3A (or CD-
3X) remains part of the project total scope and remains embedded in the project TPC.
(2) Optional Budget Request Process for Construction Projects. Normally,
funds for construction cannot be requested until CD-2 approval is
obtained, or when CD-3A approval is obtained to support CD-3A scope of
work. Upon PME approval, a construction project can submit a line-item
budget request prior to CD-2 approval, provided the PME accepts the
following conditions:
Project will document the strategy to request funds (i.e., CD-3A)
prior to CD-2 approval in the AS and preliminary PEP.
Construction funds cannot be expensed until the approval of CD-2
and CD-3, with exception of CD-3A, approval for long-lead
procurement, where applicable.
CD-2 approval is obtained within 2 years following OMB budget
submission to Congress. Typically, there are no exceptions and
subsequent budget requests would not be allowed until CD-2
approval. Any significant delays in scheduling necessary meetings
for ESAAB approval will result in cost and schedule impacts that
will be incorporated in the final Performance Baseline.
DOE O 413.3C Appendix A
08-05-2026 A-13
If CD-2 approval is not achieved within 2 years following budget
submission, any future budget requests for construction must be
approved by the CE through the ESAAB process.
A default original PB (or TPC) will be established equivalent to
the top-end range at CD-1 with the initial budget submission. At
that time, a funding profile will be established and included in the
PDS to support this default cost baseline.
This original PB is refined with formal CD-2 approval and cannot
exceed the top-end range established at CD-1. The project funding
profile will be modified accordingly to align with the CD-2 cost
baseline.
If long-lead procurement is needed upon budget submission,
pursue CD-3A with the PME. (The default CD-2 PB [or TPC] is
the upper limit of the CD-1 cost range.)
(3) Execution typically comprises the longest and most costly phase of the
project but is only a fraction of the total life-cycle cost of a project. Value
management (VM) and VE techniques, as appropriate, should be used to
ensure that the most effective life-cycle solutions are implemented. Refer
to OMB Circular A-131.
d. CD-3, Approve Start of Construction/Execution. CD-3 is a continuation of the
execution phase. The project is ready to complete all construction,
implementation, procurement, fabrication, acceptance and turnover activities.
Table 5 lists the requirements needed to attain CD-3.
Table 5: CD-3 Requirements1
Prior to CD-3 Approval Authority2
Section 20
Approve updated CD-2 project documentation that reflects major changes from final
design, the PEP, PB, AS, and PDS/funding documents for MIE and OE funds.
CE or PME
Complete and review the final design for non-nuclear facilities and less than Hazard
Category 3 nuclear facilities with sufficient maturity to baseline and approve start of
construction.
Employ a contractor self-certified Earned Value Management System compliant with
EIA-748, current version, or as required by the contract. (Refer to DOE G 413.3-10,
current version.)
Perform an EIR by PM for construction or execution readiness on all major system
projects. (Refer to DOE G 413.3-9, current version.)
Perform an IPR by the appropriate PMSO for non-major system projects unless
justification is provided and a waiver is granted by the PME.
For projects with a TPC ≥$100 million, PM will develop an ICE.
PM ≥$1 billion
PMSO <$1 billion
For projects with a TPC ≥$300 million, the PMRC will review and analyze the CD and
make recommendations to the ESAAB, CE, or PME, as appropriate, before approval.
CE ≥$1 billion
PME <$1 billion
Appendix A DOE O 413.3C
A-14 08-05-2026
For major system projects where a significant critical technology element modification
occurs subsequent to CD-2, conduct a technology readiness assessment, as appropriate.
(Refer to DOE G 413.3-4, current version.)
PSO
Update the hazard analysis report for facilities that are below the Hazard Category 3
nuclear facility threshold as defined in 10 CFR § 830, Subpart B, based on new hazards
and design information.
Field Organization
Prior to start of construction, prepare a construction project safety and health plan4 in
accordance with 10 CFR § 851, Appendix A, section 1(d). This plan must be kept current
during construction.
Field Organization
Update the Quality Assurance Program for construction, field design changes, and
procurement activities. (Refer to 10 CFR § 830, Subpart A, DOE O 414.1, current
version, and DOE G 413.3-2, current version.)
Finalize the security risk assessment report, if necessary. (Refer to DOE O 470.4, current
version and DOE G 413.3-3, current version.)
Post-CD-3 Approval
Submit all CD documents to PM.
Commit all the resources necessary, within the funds provided and within the TPC, to
execute the project.
For projects with a TPC ≥$300 million, the PMRC will review and analyze the PB
deviation disposition request and make recommendations to the ESAAB, CE, or PME, as
applicable, before approval. The resulting BCP must also be presented to the PMRC
before convening an ESAAB.
CE ≥$1 billion
PME <$1 billion
Within 90 days, submit lessons learned not previously recognized regarding up-front
project planning and design into the DOE lessons learned system of record, as described
in DOE O 210.2, current version, for projects with a TPC >$300 million.
Update PDS, or other funding documents for MIE and OE, and A-11 business case, if
applicable. (Refer to DOE CFO budget call for PDS and business case template.) Update
life-cycle cost estimate, as appropriate.
Conduct an Earned Value Management System surveillance to ensure compliance with
EIA-748, current version, or as defined in the contract.
Continue monthly PARS reporting (including earned value data). FPD, program
manager, and PM will provide monthly assessments.
Continue QPRs with the PME or their designee.
Section 21
Continue annual project peer reviews for projects with a TPC >$300 million. Individuals
leading project peer reviews, or other reviews intended to meet the project peer review
requirements in this Order, shall elicit lessons learned with potential Department-wide
implications and submit them into the DOE lessons learned system of record, as described
in DOE O 210.2, current version.
NOTES:
1. Documents and reports are not intended to be and may be combined.
2. Where no approval authorities are noted, authorities are established through other directives or the Program Offices
(e.g., Functions and Requirements Assignment Matrix).
3. Title 10 CFR § 830 does not apply to accelerators and their operations.
4. For Environmental Management (EM) cleanup projects, refer to 29 CFR § 1910.120.
DOE O 413.3C Appendix A
08-05-2026 A-15
e. CD-4, Approve Start of Operations or Project Completion. CD-4 is the
achievement of the project completion criteria defined in the PEP, the approval of
transition to operations, and it marks the completion of the execution phase. The
approval of CD-4 is predicated on the readiness to operate and/or maintain the
system, facility, or capability. Transition and turnover does not necessarily
terminate all project activity. In some cases, it marks a point known as beneficial
occupancy date (BOD) at which the operations organizations assume
responsibility for starting operations and maintenance. The CE or PME approves
CD-4 upon notification from the project team that all project completion criteria
defined in the PEP have been met. The document signed by the CE or PME
approving CD-4 must clearly specify the scope accomplished, the TPC, KPPs
met, and the completion date (month and year) as it relates to the original CD-2
performance baseline and latest approved baseline change. The date the CE or
PME signs the document represents the CD-4 completion date. Table 6 lists the
requirements needed to attain CD-4.
Table 6: CD-4 Requirements1
Prior to CD-4 Approval Authority2
Verify that KPPs and project completion criteria have been met and that mission
requirements have been achieved. The FPD will verify and document the scope
accomplished, TPC, KPPs met, and the completion date as it relates to the original CD-2
performance baseline and the latest approved baseline change.
FPD
Issue a project transition to operations plan3 that clearly defines the basis for attaining
initial operating capability, full operating capability, or project closeout, as applicable.
The plan will include documentation, training, interfaces, and draft schedules. (Refer to
DOE G 413.3-16, current version.)
For non-nuclear projects, conduct a formal assessment of the project’s readiness to
operate, as appropriate. Determine the basis for DOE acceptance of the asset and if the
facility or area can be occupied from both a regulatory and a work function standpoint.
Establish a beneficial occupancy/utilization date for the facility and/or equipment.
Finalize the hazard analysis report for facilities that are below the Hazard Category 3
threshold as defined in 10 CFR § 830, Subpart B.
Field Organization
If applicable, complete and submit contractor evaluation documents to the PME, the
appropriate PSO, Federal Procurement Office, and PM in accordance with Federal
Acquisition Requirements (FAR) 42.15.
For projects with a TPC ≥$300 million, the PMRC will review and analyze the CD and
make recommendations to the ESAAB, CE, or PME, as applicable, before approval.
Section 22
CE ≥$1 billion
PME <$1 billion
Conduct an operational readiness review (ORR) or readiness assessment (RA) for
Hazard Category 1, 2, and 3 nuclear facilities in accordance with DOE O 425.1, current
version.
Prepare the documented safety analysis3 with technical safety requirements for Hazard
Category 1, 2, and 3 nuclear facilities. (Refer to 10 CFR § 830, Subpart B.)
SBAA via the SER.
Prepare a SER based on a review of the documented safety analysis and technical safety
requirements for Hazard Category 1, 2, and 3 nuclear facilities. (Refer to 10 CFR §
830, Subpart B, and DOE-STD-1104-2016.)
Appendix A DOE O 413.3C
A-16 08-05-2026
For nuclear facilities, the code of record must be included as part of the turnover
documentation from a design and construction phase contractor to the operating phase
contractor; from an operating phase contractor to the decommissioning phase
contractor; and when a change in contractor occurs during any single life-cycle phase
and is maintained under configuration control. (Refer to DOE-STD-1189-2016.)
Post-CD-4 Approval
Submit all CD documents to PM.
Finalize PARS reporting (including reporting earned value data through completion of
the performance measurement baseline [PMB]).
Within 90 days, submit lessons learned not previously recognized regarding project
execution and facility startup into the DOE Lessons Learned System of record, as
described in DOE O 210.2, current version.
Within 90 days, submit an initial project closeout report.
NOTES:
1. Documents and reports are not intended to be stand-alone and may be combined.
2. Where no approval authorities are noted, authorities are established through other directives or the Program Offices
(e.g., Functions and Requirements Assignment Matrix).
3. Title 10 CFR §830 does not apply to accelerators and their operations.
4. For EM cleanup projects, refer to 29 CFR § 1910.120.
f. Project Closeout. After the project is complete, the next step is project closeout.
Project closeout provides a determination of the overall closure status of the
project, contracts, regulatory drivers, and fiscal condition. After CD-4 approval,
the project is required to complete the activities listed in Table 7.
Table 7: Project Closeout Requirements1
Prior to Project Closeout Approval Authority2
Perform final administrative and financial closeout. Prepare the final project closeout
report once all project costs are incurred and invoiced and all contracts are closed. The
report includes final cost details as required to include claims and claims settlement
strategy where appropriate. (Refer to DOE G 413.3-16, current version.)
Establish and/or update the property record in the Facilities Information Management
System (FIMS) for all construction of or modifications to real property. (Refer to
DOE O 430.1, current version.)
NOTES:
1. Documents and reports are not intended to be stand-alone and may be combined.
2. Where no approval authorities are noted, authorities are established through other directives or the Program Offices
(e.g., Functions and Requirements Assignment Matrix).
3. Title 10 CFR § 830 does not apply to accelerators and their operations.
DOE O 413.3C Appendix A
08-05-2026 A-17
5. Application of Requirements for Different Circumstances. Although most DOE projects
will follow the requirements outlined in this Order, there are some differing project
situations where customizing the process is beneficial:
Section 23
a. Environmental Management Cleanup Projects. When the Department, Congress
or a regulatory agreement transfers or formally assigns cleanup responsibilities for
a parcel of land or facilities to EM for cleanup, this will serve as the basis for a
“mission need” in support of CD-0 approval by the PME. Characterization and
analysis efforts are considered operational activities and will be conducted prior
to selecting scope and performance parameters and establishing a PB. Any
project costs that occur after CD-0 and prior to CD-4 approval are considered to
be part of the project’s TPC. Normally, CD-1/2/3 will be accomplished
simultaneously because project requirements (e.g., baseline development) and
associated environmental documents (e.g., regulatory agreements) are finalized in
unison. For demolition projects performed by EM, Appendix D replaces
Appendix A and modifies applicable elements in Appendices B and C.
b. Design-Build Projects. To address potential mission impacts, aggressive risk
mitigation strategies are required for close-coupled or fast-tracked design-build
projects. Risk management strategies must be outlined in the RMP and at a
minimum must address:
All technical uncertainties;
The establishment of design margins to address the unique nature of the
design; and
Increased technical oversight requirements.
The PDS must be submitted for the budget year in which the Design-Build
contract is to be awarded and must include the costs of design as part of the TPC.
The PSO may budget for PED funds if there is a need to develop significant
performance or technical specifications for the project. For design-build projects,
PED funds may be used for the design of line-item projects and may be used to
develop a statement of work or a request for proposal whereas operating funds are
used for MIE or OE projects.
c. Projects Requiring Long-Lead Procurement. It may be necessary to obtain CD-3
approval early, namely CD-3A, for long-lead item procurement. When exercising
long-lead procurement, the FPD must consider design maturity and the
associated project risk. If the long-lead item is nuclear safety-related or nuclear
safety-related equipment, safety document maturity must also be considered. A
budget document, such as a PDS, should be submitted within the budget process
requesting construction funds to procure long-lead items or indicating the use of
PED funds for long-lead procurement.
Appendix A DOE O 413.3C
A-18 08-05-2026
This is the only instance when a CD action may be taken out of sequence (i.e.,
CD-3A in advance of CD-2). Activities such as site preparation work, site
characterization, limited access, safety, and security issues (i.e., fences) are often
necessary prior to CD-3 and may be pursued as long as project documents such as
a PDS requesting construction or PED funds to procure the long-lead items and
funding approvals are in place. The default CD-2 performance baseline (or TPC)
is the upper limit of the CD-1 cost range. This represents that project execution
has started, but only for the procurement of specified long-lead items. For
projects involving construction of new Hazard Category 1, 2, and 3 nuclear
facilities, DOE-STD-1189-2016 provides requirements for contractor justification
of long-lead procurement items. DOE-STD-1104-2016 establishes the required
method for DOE review and approval of long-lead procurement items.
Section 24
d. Commissioning of Capital Asset Projects for Nuclear/Chemical Process Facilities.
For projects involving nuclear/chemical processes, Program Offices shall define a
capital asset project as completed (CD-4) in a PEP. The Program Office must
determine if hot commissioning (i.e., introduction of radioactive material) is a
condition of CD-4. Ultimately, the capital asset must have the capability to meet
the end-state capacity requirements approved in the CD-2 decision by the
respective PME, but not as a condition of CD-4.
e. Alternative Financing. In some instances, Alternative Financing may be the most
appropriate method to obtain use of capital assets. In these instances, it is
required that CD-0 and CD-1 approval be attained so that a full evaluation of the
mission need and the alternatives can be accomplished. If alternative financing is
selected and approved, further compliance with this Order will not be required.
At that time, other policies, laws and regulations will apply. For further details,
refer to DOE Acquisition Guide, Subchapter 70.3270 and DOE G 430.1–7,
current version.
6. Baseline Management.
a. Performance Baseline Deviation. A performance baseline deviation occurs when
the approved TPC, CD-4 completion date, or performance and scope parameters
cannot be met. This includes any disaggregation of scope in an effort to establish
a smaller discrete project (or projects) for the immediate or at a later date. The
FPD must promptly notify management whenever project performance indicates
the likelihood of a PB deviation. When a deviation occurs, the approving
authority must make a specific determination whether to terminate the project
or establish a new PB by requesting the FPD to submit a BCP.
Additionally, all PB deviation decisions must be reported to the CE and PM.
New PBs to be established because of a deviation must be validated by PM for
projects with a TPC greater than or equal to $300 million and by the PMSO for
projects with a TPC less than $300 million. In circumstances where a PB
deviation is beneficial to the project, such as a lower TPC, earlier completion
date, or significant scope enhancements, a validation of the PB deviation or
approval by the PSO is not required.
DOE O 413.3C Appendix A
08-05-2026 A-19
When the Integrated Project Team (IPT), Program Office or independent
oversight offices determine the PB scope, schedule, or cost thresholds will be
breached, the Program Office is required to conduct an independent and objective
root cause analysis to determine the underlying contributing causes of cost
overruns, schedule delays, and performance shortcomings. A formal corrective
action plan shall be developed by the Program Office to address root causes
resulting in a project performance baseline deviation. The corrective action plan
shall be submitted to the PME for approval, and along with the root cause
analysis, inform the PME’s decision during the BCP approval process.
The root cause analysis and corrective action plan will be provided to the PME as
part of the rebaselining process to inform the PME’s decision of whether to
terminate or proceed with the project. Corrective actions shall be identified and
presented to the PME for action approval.
During the performance baseline change process, PM shall assess and validate, via
an external independent review and/or independent cost review, as appropriate,
the extent and effectiveness to which corrective actions have been taken to
address and resolve the identified root causes.
Section 25
Following approval of a project performance BCP, PM, as a review team
participant or observer on project peer reviews when necessary, and as
appropriate, shall independently assess the effectiveness of approved corrective
actions taken to address and resolve the identified root causes.
b. Performance Baseline Changes. A performance baseline change represents an
irregular event which should be avoided to the maximum extent. Table 8
identifies when a deviation must be approved by the CE. The approval by the
CE does not constitute approval of individual contract changes and modifications.
If a contract change is necessary, the contracting officer has exclusive authority to
issue changes and modify contracts, but only if the changes or modifications
comply with regulatory and statutory requirements. It is critical that the FPD and
the contracting officer ensure that changes to the contract are identified, issued,
administered, and managed in a timely manner over the life of the project and
contract. The performance baseline change process should not be used to
circumvent proper change control management (refer to DOE G 413.3-20, current
version) and contract management. The document signed by the CE approving
the BCP must clearly specify the project’s revised PB, which includes the TPC,
CD-4 date (month and year), scope and minimum KPPs that must be achieved
at CD-4.
Table 8: Performance Baseline Change Authority
Performance Baseline Changes Requiring CE Approval
Major System and Non-Major System Projects
Technical Any change in scope and/or performance that affect the ability to satisfy the mission
need or are not in conformance with the current approved PEP and PDS.
OR
Increase in excess of the lesser of $250M or 50% (cumulative) of the original CD-2
cost baseline. Cost
Appendix A DOE O 413.3C
A-20 08-05-2026
In addition, the CE must endorse any reduction in funding that adversely affects
the project’s approved funding profile for all non-major system projects and
previously approved CE BCP actions. PM shall be notified of these funding
decrements. The CE and PM shall be notified of all:
Schedule delays that breach the original PB by greater than 12 months; or
Post-CD-2 projects that get terminated; or
Capital asset projects, regardless of value, no longer able to meet the
Department’s objective (see Appendix A, Paragraph 1).
The Under Secretaries are the approval authorities for PB changes below CE
approval level. These approval authorities may not be delegated below the PSOs.
New PB or PMB approval thresholds and authorities should be documented in the
PEP for project changes below the thresholds identified above. These approval
levels must be incorporated into the change control process for each project.
Decrements to approved PB funding profiles must be endorsed by the PME. In
circumstances where a PB change is beneficial to the project, such as a lower
TPC, earlier completion date, or significant scope enhancements, PB changes can
be approved at lower levels as designated in the PEP.
c. Directed Changes. Directed changes are caused by DOE policy directives
(such as those that have the force and effect of law and regulation), regulatory,
or statutory actions and are initiated by entities external to the Department, to
include external funding reductions. Directed change decisions are reviewed
and verified by PM and OMB and follow the appropriate baseline
management process.
Section 26
d. Change Control. Change control, as defined in the PEP, ensures that project
changes are identified, evaluated, coordinated, controlled, reviewed,
approved/disapproved, and documented in a manner that best serves the project.
One key goal of change control is to ensure that PB thresholds are not exceeded.
Approval authority for changes depends upon the estimated impact(s) of the
change and can range from the contractor to the CE, usually with the involvement
and support of a Change Control Board (CCB). The CCB membership,
authorities, thresholds, and procedures should be detailed or referenced within
the PEP.
e. Contract Modifications for New Performance Baseline, if Applicable. Prior to
approval of a baseline change by the PME, the FPD shall coordinate with the
contracting officer to identify the specific contract changes that may be required,
develop an independent government cost estimate (refer to FAR 36.203,
Government Estimate of Construction Costs, and FAR 15.406-1, Pre-negotiation
Objectives), establish a schedule for receipt of a contractor’s proposals, obtain
audit support, and ensure the timely analysis, negotiation, and execution of
contract modifications that comply with regulatory and statutory requirements.
DOE O 413.3C Appendix A
08-05-2026 A-21
f. Cancellations of Projects. If a project is to be cancelled at any point after CD-0,
the respective PME shall approve a cancellation decision and PARS will be
updated to reflect the cancellation of the project. For all post-CD-2 cancellations,
a formal written notification shall be issued to the Under Secretary and the Office
of the CFO via PM. The formal written notification shall outline the reasons for
the cancellation, how the mission need will be impacted, and a disclosure of all
funds expended prior to the cancellation and the costs associated with the
cancellation. The CE shall be similarly notified of all post-CD-2 cancellations.
7. Energy Systems Acquisition Advisory Board.
The purpose of the ESAAB is to support the DOE’s strategic objective of achieving and
maintaining excellence in project management. The ESAAB advises the Secretary, Chief
Executive for Project Management, and Departmental Project Management Executives
on enterprise-wide project management policy and issues and assists the CE on critical
CD milestones for major system projects and PB deviation dispositions with a TPC of
$1 billion or greater. The ESAAB will be supported by the PMRC, which provides
enterprise-wide project management risk assessment and expert advice.
The ESAAB will not be responsible for project implementation and execution, which
remains with the CE, PME, project owner, and FPD. The authority for approving CDs
for major system projects will continue to reside with the CE and for non-major system
projects will continue to reside with the appropriate PME. The ESAAB’s role is to
provide recommendations to the CE at those CD milestones and to the CE and PME at
any other times as needed.
The ESAAB will convene at least quarterly to review all capital asset projects with a TPC
of $300 million or greater, focusing in particular on projects at risk of not meeting their
PBs; discuss project management and project execution across the Department; and, if
applicable, provide recommendations to the CE on CD milestones for major system
projects. The ESAAB shall meet as often as deemed necessary for the execution of the
ESAAB’s functions. A call for a special ESAAB can also be made when an unforeseen
review of a capital asset project is required. During these quarterly meetings, the ESAAB
will meet with the PMRC and be briefed by the Chair of the PMRC or others as
designated by the Chair.
Section 27
Based on analysis provided by the program and other project management organizations,
and any additional input from the committee, the ESAAB will evaluate project scope,
cost and schedule estimates, management oversight processes, technical readiness, and
other issues (including organization and staffing) that may have a material bearing on a
project’s successful delivery. In addition to the PMRC, the ESAAB may also identify
and advise on uncertainties and risk factors affecting successful project execution as well
as on compliance with applicable project management policies and procedures. To
support the ESAAB’s efforts, the ESAAB will have access to all relevant project-related
information and data, including any PMRC analyses.
Appendix A DOE O 413.3C
A-22 08-05-2026
The ESAAB shall advise the CE on decisions related to CD milestones, including
baseline change proposals and other matters as appropriate. The ESAAB shall review
major system projects before all CDs and baseline change proposals are presented to the
CE using information and data provided by the program and other project management
organizations, including the PMRC. The PMRC, the cognizant FPD, and/or others, as
appropriate, will brief the ESAAB as part of each ESAAB’s review of projects for CDs.
The ESAAB may request additional information and analyses from other individuals and
organizations with project responsibilities, including Departmental staff.
a. ESAAB Membership. The members are (including anyone acting in such
capacity):
(1) Deputy Secretary, Chair
(2) Under Secretary of Energy
(3) Under Secretary for Science
(4) Under Secretary for Nuclear Security
(5) General Counsel
(6) Chief Financial Officer
(7) Chief Information Officer
(8) Senior Procurement Executive, as appropriate
(9) Director, Energy Dominance Financing
(10) Director, Office of Project Management (ESAAB Secretariat)
(11) Chair of the Project Management Risk Committee
(12) The Secretary or Deputy Secretary may designate other PSOs or
functional staff as ESAAB members (temporary or permanent) as needed.
The Deputy Secretary will serve as the Chair. In the event that the Deputy
Secretary position is vacant, the Secretary shall designate a Chair from
among the members. If the Deputy Secretary is recused from a matter
involving the ESAAB or is otherwise unable to attend an ESAAB
meeting, the Deputy shall designate a Chair from among the members.
The Chair may elect to choose a Chair pro tempore, from among the
members, to convene an ESAAB meeting to review a CD and to transmit
the recommendation of the ESAAB to the Chair.
DOE O 413.3C Appendix A
08-05-2026 A-23
In the case of all members of the ESAAB (except the Chair), if the
individual is recused from matters involving the ESAAB or is otherwise
unable to attend an ESAAB meeting, or if the position is vacant, their
deputy (or if applicable, their principal deputy) shall serve as an ESAAB
member.
A simple majority of the ESAAB shall constitute a quorum. The ESAAB
may invite other federal Departmental officials or employees to participate
in meetings or supply information.
The ESAAB will document its recommendations and provide analysis
prepared in support of recommendations to the CE, PME, and other
officials, as appropriate. The ESAAB members will vote on all
recommendations to the CE, PME, and other officials. Recommendations
by the ESAAB shall be made by majority vote and the votes will be
recorded in the minutes of the ESAAB meetings.
Section 28
b. “Paper” ESAAB: Streamlined ESAAB Process. In circumstances where the
acquisition action is of relatively low monetary value, low risk, and requires
non-controversial decisions (i.e., baseline deviation and CD approvals) that need
CE or PME approval, a streamlined ESAAB achieves the required staff
coordination and approval without convening a formal meeting of all ESAAB
members. This process should be considered, when the following parameters are
met:
(1) A Program Office requests PM to consider a streamlined ESAAB in lieu
of a formal ESAAB meeting;
(2) PM will determine: (1) if a streamlined ESAAB is appropriate; (2) level
of inter-office coordination required; and
(3) At a minimum, all streamlined ESAABs will be coordinated with PM,
CIO, CFO, and the Office of the General Counsel with the expectation of
expeditious review. If issues cannot be resolved within 15 days of
document submission to ESAAB members, PM will forward the issues to
the Deputy Secretary for final decision.
c. ESAAB Issue Resolution. To ensure timely decision making, if open issues
cannot be resolved in 15 calendar days following an ESAAB, PM will forward the
issues to the Deputy Secretary for final decision.
d. ESAAB Secretariat. The ESAAB Secretariat resides in PM and provides
administrative and analytical support and recommendations to the ESAAB.
When performing the Executive Secretariat duties, the Director of PM is
accountable to the Deputy Secretary. The Executive Secretariat will prepare and
coordinate all briefing materials in collaboration with appropriate programs and
record and maintain all minutes of the ESAAB meetings.
e. Non-Major System Project Advisory Boards. The designated PME will appoint
an Advisory Board to provide advice and recommendations on actions for projects
Appendix A DOE O 413.3C
A-24 08-05-2026
that are not designated as major system projects. The designated PME is the
Chair of the Advisory Board. The Advisory Board replicates and conducts
identical functions to those performed by the ESAAB. Members may be selected
from within the PME’s organization.
However, at least one member from an office not under the PME will be
designated as a contributing representative. PM will not be a board member for
projects with a TPC less than $1 billion, but must be invited to attend the Advisory
Board meetings. The implementing documentation (including CD and BCP
approval memoranda) and composition of each Advisory Board, along with
meeting agendas and minutes, will be provided to PM.
f. Project Management Risk Committee. The purpose of the PMRC is to support the
DOE’s strategic objective of excellence in project management. The Committee
will leverage existing capabilities to provide enterprise-wide project management
risk assessment and expert advice to the Secretary, CE, PME and the ESAAB on
cost, schedule and technical issues regarding capital asset projects with a TPC of
$300 million or greater. Upon request of the CE, PME, or ESAAB, the
Committee will also address projects with a TPC less than $300 million that are at
risk of not meeting their PBs.
The Committee will not be responsible for project implementation and execution,
which remains with the CE, PME, project owner, and FPD. The authority for
approving CDs for major system projects will continue to reside with the CE and
for non-major system projects will continue to reside with the appropriate PME.
The Committee’s role is to provide recommendations to the CE, PME and
ESAAB at those CD points and at any other time as needed.
Section 29
The Committee shall be an integral part of the ESAAB and shall advise the CE,
PME and ESAAB on decisions related to CD milestones, BCPs, and other matters
as appropriate. They will also provide ongoing monitoring and assessments of
projects throughout the CD process. In addition, the Committee will review
project management policies and procedures, including the implementation of this
Order, for Department-wide application and provide the Secretary, CE, PME and
ESAAB with expert advice. This includes assuring that clear, strong
Departmental functional responsibility extends from the PME to the project owner
to the FPD and ensuring that issues are appropriately flagged and elevated early
so that they may be appropriately addressed. Finally, the committee will enable
the sharing of best practices and lessons learned information on a routine basis.
To support the Committee’s efforts, access to all project-related information and
data will be made available from project assessment and data collections
frameworks.
To support the committee’s efforts, access to all project-related information and
data will be made available from project assessment and data collections
frameworks.
DOE O 413.3C Appendix A
08-05-2026 A-25
Project Assessments. The committee will assess, on a periodic basis, reviews that
have been conducted at the Under Secretarial level, and advise the CE, PME,
ESAAB and other program officials on project performance. These assessments
will complement, but not duplicate or replace, the ongoing peer review processes
within the Under Secretaries’ organizations. The committee shall conduct more
frequent and detailed assessments of higher risk projects, and provide advice and
assistance to the CE, PME and ESAAB on a regular basis.
The committee will utilize project analyses conducted by the programs and other
project management organizations to assess projects and advise the senior
leadership on appropriate actions to address and mitigate risks associated with
project scope, cost and schedule estimates, management oversight processes,
technical readiness, and other issues (including organization and staffing) that
may have a material bearing on the project’s successful implementation. The
committee will also identify and advise on uncertainties and risk factors affecting
successful project implementation as well as on compliance with applicable
project management policies and procedures.
Assessment of CD proposals and Baseline Change Proposals. The committee
will use information and data provided by the program and other project
management organizations to review and analyze projects before all CDs and
BCP are presented to the CE, PME, or ESAAB. As appropriate, the respective
FPD or designated program representative (prior to CD-1) will brief the
committee as part of the assessment process. The committee may request
additional information and analyses from the CE, PME, and other individuals
with project responsibilities, including both Departmental staff and contractor
managers. The committee, the respective FPD, and/or others, as appropriate, will
brief the ESAAB as part of the ESAAB’s review process for CDs. The
committee will perform its assessments to support the CD milestone schedule
established by the project owners such that the committee does not unnecessarily
delay CDs if there are no issues.
The assessments may address, but are not limited to:
Section 30
Alternatives analysis to ensure that all viable options are thoroughly
considered and the best alternative is recommended (CD-1)
Scope, schedule, cost, design maturity level, and TRL to ensure they are
appropriate prior to establishing a project baseline (CD-2)
Construction readiness to ensure the project is prepared to begin
construction (CD-3)
Operational readiness to make certain a project is ready to start operations
(e.g., evaluating operational readiness reviews) (CD-4).
Appendix A DOE O 413.3C
A-26 08-05-2026
Strengthening Peer Reviews. To enhance the peer review process, each Under
Secretary’s Office of Project Assessments will provide sufficient notice to the
committee regarding upcoming peer reviews. The committee will advise on
planned peer reviews, as needed, to ensure review groups are focused on pressing
issues, and recommend review team members, as appropriate. The committee
will evaluate results of the reviews as well as related corrective actions.
Independent Assessments. The committee may recommend to the CE, PME or
ESAAB that an independent assessment of a project be conducted.
Advising Senior Leadership. The Committee will meet at least quarterly with the
ESAAB to review all capital asset projects with a TPC of $300 million or greater
with a focus on projects at risk of not meeting their performance baselines, to
discuss project management across the Department, and, if applicable, to provide
recommendations to the ESAAB on CD milestones for projects under the
Committee’s purview. The Chair of the Committee or others as designated by the
Chair will brief the ESAAB at the quarterly meetings. The Committee may also
recommend to the Secretary, CE or ESAAB that the ESAAB review and advise
on matters brought to its attention by the Committee.
Membership. The Secretary shall appoint the members of the committee. All
committee members shall be federal employees who are experts in their
representative fields or senior leaders with significant decision-making
authorities. Standing members shall include:
(1) Associate Deputy Secretary (or other senior advisor designated by the
Secretary)
(2) Director, Office of Project Management (Executive Secretariat)
(3) Director, Office of Project Management, Office of Environmental
Management.
(4) Deputy Assistant Secretary for Acquisition and Project Management,
(5) Office of Environmental Management
(6) Director, Office of Project Assessment, Office of Science
(7) Associate Deputy Director for Operations, Office of Science
(8) Director, Office of Project Assessment, Office of the Under Secretary for
Nuclear Security
(9) Associate Administrator for Infrastructure, Office of the Under Secretary
for Nuclear Security
(10) Chief Operating Officer, Energy Dominance Financing or Director of
Technical and Project Management, Energy Dominance Financing.
DOE O 413.3C Appendix A
08-05-2026 A-27
The Secretary will appoint a Chair from among the members. The Chair may
designate a Vice Chair. The Director of PM will serve as the Executive
Secretariat of the PMRC. When performing those duties, the Secretariat will be
accountable to the Deputy Secretary. The Executive Secretariat will prepare and
coordinate all briefing materials in collaboration with appropriate programs and
will record and maintain all minutes of the committee meetings.
Section 31
In the case of all members of the Committee (except the Chair), if the individual
is recused from matters involving the Committee or is otherwise unable to attend
a Committee meeting, or if the position is vacant, their deputy (or if applicable,
their principal deputy) shall serve as a Committee member.
A simple majority shall constitute a quorum. The committee may invite other
Departmental federal officials or employees to participate in meetings or supply
information.
To the extent reasonable and practicable, recommendations by the Committee
shall be made by consensus, although they may also be made by majority vote or,
in the event there are less than three sitting members, by unanimous vote. Any
dissenting votes will be noted in the minutes of the meetings. The Committee
will document its recommendations and provide analysis prepared in support of
its recommendations to the CE, PME, and ESAAB, as appropriate.
DOE O 413.3C Appendix B
08-05-2026 B-1
APPENDIX B
RESPONSIBILITIES
Three objectives regarding roles and responsibilities that are necessary to achieve defined project
objectives as well as the objectives of this Order are:
Strengthening line management accountability for successful project management
results;
Clearly defining the roles, responsibilities, authority, and accountability of the
Federal Project Management Team relative to the contractor Project Management
Team; and
Developing effective Integrated Project Teams (IPTs) to assist the Federal Project
Director (FPD) in planning, programming, budgeting, and successfully acquiring
capital assets.
Line managers are responsible for successfully developing, executing, and managing projects
within the approved performance baseline (PB). Delegation of authority from one line manager
to a lower-level line manager must be documented and consistent with Department of Energy
(DOE) delegation authorities and the qualifications of the lower-level line manager. Although
the authority and responsibility for decision making may be delegated to a lower-level manager,
the senior manager remains accountable for the decisions made by subordinate managers.
Clear roles, responsibilities and accountabilities among the project’s owner, line management
organizational elements, and support staff organizations shall be documented in the preliminary
project execution plan at Critical Decision (CD)-1 and updated during subsequent changes to the
project execution plan (PEP).
Key roles and responsibilities of line managers are described in the following sections:
1. Deputy Secretary (Chief Executive for Project Management). Serve as the Chief
Executive (CE) responsible and accountable for all project acquisitions.
a. Exercise decision-making authority, including CDs for all major system projects.
b. Ensure that the FPDs appointed for major system projects are qualified,
experienced, and have appropriate communication skills and leadership
characteristics prior to designation.
c. Identify special interest projects and ensure senior executive-level quarterly
reviews are provided for those projects.
d. Approve disposition of projects and PB changes at the CE approval level upon PB
deviations.
e. Serve as Chair for the Energy Systems Acquisition Advisory Board (ESAAB).
Appendix B DOE O 413.3C
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f. Approve site selection for facilities at new sites to include real estate purchases
outside of the current DOE footprint.
Section 32
g. Conduct quarterly project reviews for major system projects, which may be
delegated to the Under Secretaries.
h. Approve exemptions as defined in paragraph 3.c.(3) and (4).
2. Under Secretaries.
a. Receive Project Management Executive (PME) authority from the CE, as
appropriate.
b. Designate a project owner before CD-1.
c. Ensure that the FPDs appointed to non-major system projects are qualified and
have appropriate communication skills and leadership characteristics prior to
designation.
d. Delegate PME authority, as appropriate (refer to Appendix A, Table 1).
e. Exercise decision-making authority, including CDs, functioning as the PME.
f. Hold line accountability for applicable program and capital asset project
execution and implementation of policy.
g. Hold accountability for project-related site environment, safety and health, and
safeguards and security.
h. Serve as Chair and appoint members for Acquisition Advisory Boards.
i. Approve disposition of projects and PB changes below CE approval level upon
PB deviations (may not be delegated below Program Secretarial Officers).
j. Maintain a list of special interest projects and ensure that senior executive-level
quarterly reviews are provided for those projects.
k. Establish Project Management Support Office (PMSO) or delegate this
responsibility to the Program Secretarial Officer.
l. Address and resolve issues on projects which report to them.
m. Conduct quarterly project reviews when serving as the PME. These reviews may
be delegated to the Program Secretarial Officer.
3. Program Secretarial Officers and Deputy Administrators/Associate Administrators for the
NNSA.
a. Hold line accountability for applicable capital asset project execution and
implementation of policy.
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b. Hold accountability for project-related site environment, safety and health, and
safeguards and security.
c. Approve mission need statement (MNS) documents and acquisition strategy (AS)
documents for all capital asset projects (cannot be delegated).
d. Approve disposition of projects and PB changes below the CE approval level
following PB deviations. If delegated, this authority cannot be further delegated.
e. Exercise decision-making authority, including CDs, when functioning as PME.
f. Ensure that the FPDs appointed to non-major system projects are qualified and
have the appropriate communication skills and leadership characteristics prior to
designation.
g. Delegate PME functions, as appropriate (refer to Appendix A, Table 1).
h. Nominate FPDs, when the PME is above the Program Secretarial Officer, no later
than CD-1 (can be delegated). The FPD appointment is subject to the approval of
the PME.
i. Approve the IPT charter for major system projects.
j. Serve as Chair and appoint members for Acquisition Advisory Boards.
k. Establish PMSO when responsibility is delegated or directed by the Under
Secretaries.
l. Explicitly address integration of safety into design and construction for Hazard
Category 1, 2, and 3 nuclear facilities as a key consideration in approval of project
documentation and when functioning as PME.
m. Appoint a Safety Basis Approval Authority (SBAA) no later than CD-0 for
projects including the design and construction of Hazard Category 1, 2, and 3
nuclear facilities or for projects including major modifications thereto.
n. Ensure lessons learned are captured and entered into the DOE Lessons Learned
System of record, as described in DOE Order (O) 210.2 (current version).
Section 33
4. Project Owner.
a. Ensure the identification of requirements and request the necessary budget to
support the mission need.
b. Visit the project site and review the progress against key milestones that were
approved as part of the performance baseline.
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5. Project Management Support Offices (when established).
a. Provide independent oversight and report directly to the Under Secretaries, or
Program Secretarial Officer, as appropriate.
b. Serve as the Secretariat for the Program Secretarial Officer/National Nuclear
Security Administration (NNSA)-level Advisory Board functions.
c. Coordinate quarterly project reports.
d. Perform IPRs, technical independent project reviews (TIPRs), and project peer
reviews as requested by the PME or Program Offices.
e. Develop Program-specific guidance, policies, and procedures.
f. Collect, analyze and disseminate lessons learned and “best practices” into the
DOE Lessons Learned System of record, as described in DOE O 210.2, current
version.
g. Coordinate with other DOE organizations and offices, including the Office of
Project Management (PM), to ensure the effective and consistent implementation
of project management policies and directives.
h. Provide assistance and oversight to line project management organizations.
i. Analyze project management execution issues.
j. Actively assist senior management on issues related to project management
performance, including implementation of corrective actions.
k. Provide support to the FPDs.
l. Validate the PB for capital asset projects with a TPC less than $300 million.
6. Program Managers and Heads of Field Organizations.
a. Direct initial project planning and execution roles for projects assigned by the
PME.
b. Initiate definition of mission need based on input from sites, laboratories and
Program Offices.
c. Establish the initial IPT in advance of the designation of a FPD.
d. Oversee development of project definition, technical scope and budget to support
mission need.
e. Initiate development of the AS before CD-1 (during the period preceding
designation of the FPD).
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f. Perform functions as a PME when so delegated.
g. Develop project performance measures and monitor and evaluate project
performance throughout the project.
h. Allocate resources throughout the program.
i. Oversee the project line management organization and ensure the line project
teams have the necessary experience, expertise, and training in design
engineering, safety and security analysis, construction, and testing.
j. Serve as the FPD until the FPD is appointed.
k. Ensure that performance measures, resource allocations, and project oversight, as
applicable, address integration of safety into design and construction for Hazard
Category 1, 2, and 3 nuclear facilities.
l. Review prerequisite documents (as listed in Appendix A, Tables 2–5) before each
CD submission.
m. Identify which contracts should incorporate the CRD and notify the contracting
officer to include the CRD in the contract.
7. Project Management Executives. The following roles and responsibilities are for
illustrative purposes and each designated PME is guided by the specific limits of their
delegated authority (see DOE/NNSA Senior Procurement Executive for contract award
and modification execution authority). There can only be one designated PME per
project.
Section 34
a. Approve CDs for capital asset projects including CD-2, performance baseline
approval and its associated funding profile.
b. Appoint and chair Acquisition Advisory Boards to provide advice and
recommendations on key project decisions.
c. Approve the appointment of the FPD. Ensure that the FPD has the appropriate
qualifications, competencies, and communication and leadership skills prior to
designation by interviewing the proposed FPD for each project. When the FPD is
not a designated career federal civil servant (i.e., contracted project manager) or is
under an Intergovernmental Personnel Act (IPA) Agreement, the CE must
endorse the FPD’s appointment.
d. For nuclear facilities, designate the Design Authority at CD-1.
e. Monitor the effectiveness of FPDs and their support staff.
f. Approve project changes in compliance with change control levels identified in
PEPs, to include all baseline change proposals and funding profile changes that
impact the PB.
Appendix B DOE O 413.3C
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g. Conduct quarterly project reviews.
h. Explicitly address integration of safety into design and construction for Hazard
Category 1, 2, and 3 nuclear facilities as a key consideration in Quarterly Project
Reviews and approval of project CDs.
i. Direct IPRs be conducted.
j. Ensure the FPD has a contracting, construction and design organization(s) that is
prepared to execute the project planned.
k. Ensure the contractor has a competent manager supported by a qualified project
team.
l. Ensure there is adequate skilled staff for federal oversight of the contractor.
m. Visit the project site and review the progress against key milestones that were
approved as part of the performance baseline.
8. Federal Project Director. Successful performance of DOE projects depends on
professional and effective project management by the FPD. The FPD is accountable to
the PME, Program Secretarial Officer or delegated authority, as appropriate, for the
successful execution of the project within a PB.
The FPD’s assigned project must meet cost, schedule and performance targets unless
circumstances beyond the control of the project directly result in cost overruns and/or
delays. FPDs must demonstrate initiative in incorporating and managing an appropriate
level of risk to ensure best value for the government. In cases where significant cost
overruns and/or delays may occur, the FPD must alert senior management in a timely
manner and take appropriate steps to mitigate them.
Roles and responsibilities of the FPD’ s team must be clearly defined relative to the
contractor management team. DOE Guides provide further information. These roles and
responsibilities include:
a. Attain and maintain certification in concert with the requirements outlined in
DOE O 361.1C, Acquisition Career Management Program, before they are
delegated the authority to serve as FPD and/or within 1 year of appointment,
achieve the appropriate level of certification.
b. Serve as the single point of contact between federal and contractor staff for all
matters relating to a project and its performance.
c. Prepare and maintain the IPT Charter and operating guidance with IPT support
and ensure that the IPT is properly staffed. Define and oversee the roles and
responsibilities of each IPT member.
d. Appointed as the contracting officer’s representative, as delegated by the
contracting officer.
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Section 35
e. Lead the IPT and provide broad project guidance. Delegate appropriate decision-
making authority to the IPT members.
f. Approve the IPT charter for non-major system projects.
g. Ensure the development and implementation of key project documentation (e.g.,
the PEP).
h. Review and recommend approval of project cost, schedule, performance, and
scope baselines.
i. Ensure that design, construction, environmental, sustainability, safety, security,
health and quality efforts performed comply with the contract, public law,
regulations and Executive Orders.
j. Coordinate collaboration between site management and project teams to partner
with local utilities, communities, Tribal, local, and state governments; DOE
offices such as the Office of Sustainability and Asset Management within the
Office of Management; the Office of Sustainable Environmental Stewardship,
within DOE’s Office of Environment, Health, Safety and Security; DOE’s
Building Technologies Office; and the Federal Energy Management Program, as
appropriate, to achieve project requirements.
k. Ensure timely, reliable and accurate integration of contractor performance data
into the project’s scheduling, accounting, and performance measurement systems,
to include Project Assessment and Reporting System (PARS).
l. Evaluate and verify reported progress; make projections of progress and identify
trends for early awareness and corrective action.
m. Approve (in coordination with the contracting officer) changes in compliance
with the approved change control process documented or referenced in the PEP.
n. Ensure that safety is fully integrated into design and construction for Hazard
Category 1, 2, and 3 nuclear facilities.
o. Ensure early warning systems (triggered by thresholds) and communication
channels are in place, so senior leadership is informed of potential project issues
in time to make productive changes.
p. Ensure all phases of the project are aligned with the budget request. All project
documentation should be updated after the budget formulation process to ensure
that information in the project management documentation is aligned with
corresponding data in the budget documentation
q. Develop and maintain the life-cycle cost estimate for the project, as appropriate.
r. Identify, capture, and enter lessons learned into the DOE Lessons Learned System
of record, as described in DOE O 210.2 (current version).
Appendix B DOE O 413.3C
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9. Departmental Staff and Support Offices. Departmental Staff and Support Offices develop
policy and related implementing guidance, perform review functions, and provide advice
and recommendations to Department leadership. Key roles and responsibilities of these
offices regarding the acquisition of capital assets follow.
10. DOE/NNSA Senior Procurement Executives. The Senior Procurement Executive
(SPE) will:
a. Execute the procurement functions and responsibilities in accordance with the
Office of Federal Procurement Policy and Executive Order 12931, Federal
Procurement Reform.
b. Serve as the principal procurement advisor to the CE, PME and the Chief
Acquisition Officer.
c. Execute certain decisional authorities reserved for the SPE.
d. Exercise general procurement authority.
e. Delegate procurement authority to the Heads of Contracting Activity and
contracting officers.
11. Contracting Officer. The contracting officer is the only member of the IPT delegated
authority to enter into, administer, modify, change, and/or terminate contracts.
Significant responsibilities are:
Section 36
a. Serve as the principal procurement advisor to the FPD.
b. Participate in the formulation of the DOE and NNSA AS and Acquisition Plan.
c. Work with the IPT to develop solicitations and evaluate and award mission-
oriented contracts.
d. Serve as a standing member of the Change Control Board (CCB) with sole
authority to modify the contract.
e. Work with the IPT to ensure alignment between the PEP and the Contract
Management Plan.
f. Assist in the development of contract cost, schedule and performance incentives.
g. Incorporate the applicable clauses, and terms and conditions in the solicitation and
the contract. Ensure that the prime contractor complies with the requirements to
include subcontractor flow-down requirements of this Order, Federal Acquisition
Regulations (FAR) clauses and Earned Value Management System (EVMS)-
related terms and conditions as identified by the FPD.
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12. Office of Environment, Health, Safety and Security.
a. Advise the Deputy Secretary in his/her role as the CE on environmental, safety,
and security matters related to all CD approvals.
b. Serve as a member of the IPR Team at the request of the CE, PSO, Program
Manager, Operations/Field Office Manager or FPD.
c. Participate on EIRs, as an observer, at the request of PM.
d. Participate in safety and security documentation and QA reviews for acquisition
projects at the request of PM and/or the PME when considered appropriate.
e. Participate in operational readiness reviews (ORRs) or readiness assessments
(RAs) at the request of the line organizations.
f. Support the Central Technical Authorities (CTAs) as requested.
13. Office of Enterprise Assessments. Perform targeted reviews of technical processes and
products associated with the design and construction of nuclear facilities.
14. Office of Project Management.
a. Serve as DOE’s principal point of contact and advisor relating to project
management.
b. Develop policy, requirements and guidance for the planning and management of
capital asset projects.
c. Assist in the planning, programming, budgeting and execution process for the
acquisition of capital assets in coordination with the Program Secretarial Officer
and PMSO.
d. Support the Office of the Secretary, Deputy Secretary, Under Secretaries and
Program Secretarial Officer in the CD process; and oversee the acquisition
management process.
e. Serve as a member and Executive Secretariat for the ESAAB and the Project
Management Risk Committee. When performing the Executive Secretariat
duties, the Director of PM-1 is accountable to the Deputy Secretary.
f. Manage the PMCDP.
g. Establish, maintain and execute the EVMS Certification and Surveillance Review
processes in accordance with established levels to ensure full compliance with
applicable FAR and OMB requirements.
Appendix B DOE O 413.3C
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h. May perform EVMS Certification and Surveillance Reviews of contractors with
projects that have a TPC of $300 million or greater and, on an exception basis, or
at the request of the PMSO, of contractors with projects that have a TPC greater
than the minor construction threshold or $50 million, whichever is higher and
$300 million.
i. Review MNS documents for projects with a TPC of $300 million or greater.
j. Review the AS for major system projects.
k. Maintain a corporate project reporting capability.
l. Establish, maintain and execute a corporate EIR capability to provide an
independent assessment and analysis of project planning, execution and
performance.
Section 37
m. Validate the PB for all capital asset projects with a TPC greater than or equal to
$300 million to permit inclusion in the DOE annual budget.
n. For major system projects, conduct an independent cost review (ICR) prior to
CD-0. For projects with a TPC of $300 million or greater, develop an
independent cost estimate (ICE) and/or conduct an ICR prior to CD-1, develop an
ICE prior to CD-2 and CD-3.
o. Identify lessons learned with Department-wide implications and, in collaboration
with those that submitted the lessons learned, propose risk-informed policy
changes so future projects benefit from those lessons.
p. Elicit lessons learned with potential Department-wide implications and submit
them into the lessons learned repository in the DOE Lessons Learned System of
record, as described in DOE O 210.2, current version.
15. Integrated Project Team.
a. Support the FPD.
b. Work with the contracting officer to develop a project AS and acquisition plan, as
applicable.
c. Ensure that project interfaces are identified, defined and managed to completion.
d. Identify, define and manage to completion the project environmental,
sustainability, safety, health, security, risk and QA requirements.
e. Identify and define appropriate and adequate project technical scope, schedule
and cost parameters.
DOE O 413.3C Appendix B
08-05-2026 B-11
f. Perform periodic reviews and assessments of project performance and status
against established performance parameters, baselines, milestones
and deliverables.
g. Plan and participate in project reviews, audits, and appraisals as necessary.
h. Review all CD packages and recommend approval/disapproval.
i. Review and comment on project deliverables (e.g., drawings, specifications,
procurement, and construction packages).
j. Review change requests, as appropriate, and support CCBs as requested.
k. Participate, as required, in ORRs or RAs.
l. Support preparation, review and approval of project completion and
closeout documentation.
m. Ensure safety is effectively integrated into design and construction as applicable
to each team member’s respective functional area for design and construction of
Hazard Category 1, 2, and 3 nuclear facilities.
16. Central Technical Authorities. The CTAs are responsible for maintaining operational
awareness, especially with respect to complex, high-hazard nuclear operations and
ensuring that the Department’s nuclear safety policies and requirements are implemented
adequately and properly (see DOE O 410.1, Central Technical Authority Responsibilities
Regarding Nuclear Safety Requirements, current version, for further discussion). In this
context, it is important to recognize that the CTAs have responsibilities related to nuclear
safety directives that apply to projects. The overall roles and responsibilities of the CTAs
include:
a. Concur with the determination of the applicability of DOE directives involving
nuclear safety included in contracts pursuant to 48 CFR § 970.5204-2(b).
b. Concur with nuclear safety requirements included in contracts pursuant to
48 CFR § 970.5204-2.
c. Concur with all exemptions to nuclear safety requirements in contracts that were
added to the contract pursuant to 48 CFR § 970.5204-2.
d. Recommend to the Director, Office of Environment, Health, Safety and Security,
issues and proposed resolutions concerning DOE safety requirements, concur in
the adoption or revision of nuclear safety requirements (including supplemental
requirements) and provide expectations and guidance for implementing nuclear
safety requirements for use by DOE employees and contractors.
Section 38
e. For DOE nuclear facilities, CTA concurrence is required on the directives
included in requests for proposals for new prime contracts prior to its release and
in revisions to existing prime contracts as per DOE O 410.1 (current version).
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17. Chief of Defense Nuclear Safety and Chief of Nuclear Safety. The Chiefs (and staff) are
responsible for evaluating nuclear safety issues and providing expert advice to the CTAs
and other senior officials (see DOE O 410.1, current version, for further discussion). For
Hazard Category 1, 2, and 3 nuclear facilities that are not regulated by the Nuclear
Regulatory Commission (NRC), or as requested by the CTA or other senior officials for
facilities regulated by the NRC, the Chief shall:
a. Provide support to both the CTA and PME regarding the effectiveness of efforts
to integrate safety into design at each of the CDs and as requested during other
project reviews.
b. Ensure that TIPRs and IPRs, as appropriate, evaluate: (1) the qualifications of IPT
members having nuclear safety-related responsibilities, and (2) the effective
implementation of DOE-STD-1189-2016 as applicable for design and
construction of nuclear facilities.
c. For nuclear facilities, concur on the nuclear safety scope and breadth of TIPRs
and IPRs. Ensure that TIPRs and IPRs evaluate the status of project planning to
achieve operational readiness.
d. Advise Safety Basis Approval Authorities and concur with (Chief of Nuclear
Safety) or provide written advice (Chief of Defense Nuclear Safety) prior to the
approval of safety design strategies and revisions thereto.
18. Project Management Governance Board. The governance board (and staff) is responsible
for evaluating project management issues and providing resolutions to PMSOs and
program managers. The responsibilities will be an additional duty to the existing
PMCDP certification review board whose primary function is to certify FPDs.
a. Responsibilities:
(1) Identify issues through PM as the Secretariat.
(2) Provide interpretation or clarification of Order requirements and resolve
413-series Guide issues.
(3) Evaluate the effectiveness of changes to department directives based on
lessons learned with Department-wide implications from capital asset
projects with a total project cost of $750 million or more. The evaluation
will use the results of the Department’s project management success
metrics from three or more major system capital asset projects that
followed the version of this Order, or other departmental orders, that
incorporated the corrective actions from lessons learned. To make these
assessments possible and compelling, a project must follow the version of
this Order in place when the project attained CD-2, Approve Performance
Baseline, or was re-baselined until completion.
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08-05-2026 B-13
b. Membership:
(1) PM Director and NNSA Associate Administrator for Infrastructure, or
designees, co-chair the board.
(2) One senior representative from each of the PMSOs to include Office of
Environmental Management, NNSA, and Office of Science.
(3) PM Deputy Director for Project Management.
(4) PM serves as Secretariat.
DOE O 413.3C Appendix C
08-05-2026 C-1
APPENDIX C
TOPICAL AREAS
1. Project Management Principles. This is the Department’s framework for successful
project execution:
Section 39
a. Assurance that only value-added processes and procedures are utilized and
continuously evaluated on the value of project management approaches to ensure
project leadership focus on urgent and successful execution that exceeds mission
delivery expectations.
b. Adoption and enforcement of a disciplined planning and execution culture
modeled after commercial industry best practices, where applicable, for acquiring
capital assets.
c. Urgency in operations to deliver cost-effective, timely results that support mission
success by applying agile methodologies throughout planning and execution and
empowering decision making at the lowest appropriate level.
d. Line management accountability.
e. Sound, disciplined, up-front project planning.
f. Well-defined and documented project requirements.
g. Development and implementation of sound acquisition strategies that incorporate
effective risk handling mechanisms.
h. Well-defined and managed project scope and risk-based PBs and stable funding
profiles that support original cost baseline execution.
i. Development of reliable and accurate cost estimates using appropriate cost
methodologies and databases.
j. Properly resourced and appropriately skilled project staffs.
k. Effective implementation of all management systems supporting the project (e.g.,
quality assurance, integrated safety management, risk management, change
control, performance management and contract management).
l. Early integration of safety into the design process.
m. Adoption of practical measures to incorporate clean energy sources, climate
adaptation, resilience and sustainability early in the design.
n. Effective communication among all project stakeholders.
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o. Utilization of peer reviews throughout the life of a project to appropriately assess
and make course corrections.
p. A process to achieve operational readiness that is defined early in the project for
Hazard Category 1, 2, and 3 nuclear facilities.
A project is a unique effort having defined start and end points; it is undertaken to create
a product, facility, or system. Built on interdependent activities that are planned to meet
a common objective, a project focuses on attaining or completing a deliverable within a
predetermined cost, schedule and technical scope baseline.
All projects entail risk. Generally, the larger and more complex the project, the higher
the probability that the performance baseline (PB) may be breached. By dividing larger
projects into multiple smaller projects, the probability of success is generally increased as
the duration, complexity, and attendant risks for each project have been reduced. Where
appropriate, Program Offices in coordination with the Project Management Executive
(PME) should consider breaking large projects into multiple, smaller, discrete usable
projects (mindful of project interfaces) that collectively meet the mission need. However,
the benefits of reduced risk exposure should be balanced with the potential for increased
overhead costs.
Some things to consider when breaking larger projects into multiple smaller projects prior
to establishing PBs (at Critical Decision [CD]-2):
Time Horizon: Minimize the time horizon and risk to the maximum extent
possible. Ideally, execution should take no more than 4 years starting from CD-3.
Funding Profile: Develop each project’s funding profile to support the optimum
project schedule and deliver projects quickly.
Section 40
Segregate, by Building or Group, Similar Types of Facilities: Segregate nuclear
from non-nuclear work; utility systems and buildings from general use facilities;
fixed-price work from cost reimbursable work.
Phase Projects: Execute well-defined, lower-risk, complete and usable projects
first, allowing additional time to advance designs on more complex and/or
technical projects. Project phases should not impede one another. Refer to
Appendix C, paragraph 28.b.
Span of Control: Ensure that the planned scope and pace of work is matched to
the capacity and capabilities of the management team.
Segregate Projects by Geographic Area: Occasionally, projects involve separate
geographic locations with different site conditions, construction workforce
environments, and regulatory and political pressures.
Workforce Phasing: Phase construction and environmental remediation projects
within the program to take advantage of “leap-frogging” trades (i.e., concrete
workers moving from one project to the next).
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A capital asset project can range from the construction of a simple facility, such as a
warehouse, to a group of closely related projects managed in a coordinated way. This
effort is known as program management.
Selection and designation of a program manager (see Appendix B, paragraph 6) is critical
as they ensure that all their projects are properly phased and funded over time and that
each project manager is meeting key milestones. Program managers are the advocate;
they ensure proper resourcing and they facilitate the execution process. A program
manager is responsible for managing programmatic risks and putting mitigation strategies
in place to minimize risks to projects. Programmatic risks should be identified and
quantified in terms of cost and/or schedule contingency and accounted for within one or
more of the projects.
With multiple smaller projects, there may be a need for additional FPDs, perhaps at lower
certification levels. However, each project, regardless of size, must be led by a certified
Federal Project Director (FPD). Depending on the project size, an FPD can be assigned
to direct one large project and/or multiple small projects. In addition, the project
organizational structure, roles and responsibilities, and chain of command should be
delineated in the project execution plan (PEP_.
2. Acquisition Strategy (AS). An AS is a key activity formulated by the Integrated Project
Team (IPT) leading up to CD-1. The AS is the overall plan for satisfying the mission
need in the most effective, economical and timely manner. For more details, see Federal
Acquisition Requirements (FAR) 34.004, Chapter 7, and Department of Energy
(DOE) Guide (G) 413.3-13, current version.
Supporting the execution of the AS is the procurement strategy that must be documented
in writing as prescribed by FAR 7.1 and for major systems acquisition, FAR 34.004.
While the AS represents a high-level plan which is approved through the CD review and
approval process, the information and analysis required as part of an acquisition plan
(AP), if applicable, provides greater focus on the analysis and strategies needed to
appropriately execute procurements in accordance with sound business practices,
statutory, regulatory and policy requirements. Typically, the AP will not be formulated
until after the CD authority has selected the programmatic approach as part of CD-1. The
review and approval of the AP resides within the contracting authority of the Senior
Procurement Executive or their designee. Therefore, approval of the AS by the Program
Secretarial Officer (PSO) cannot be presumed to constitute approval of the AP.
Section 41
While the approval of the AS and the acquisition planning processes may be bifurcated, it
is critical that the planning and formulation are aligned. The early formulation of an IPT
(including the assignment of a contracting officer), the balance in its composition, and
continuity in the membership is critical to the integration and alignment of the AS and
acquisition planning processes.
If an AS includes the acquisition of real property, it must be reviewed by a certified Real
Estate Specialist for regional land use impact and a real property alternative analysis must
be conducted.
Appendix C DOE O 413.3C
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3. Analysis of Alternatives (AoA). The responsible program office is required to conduct
an AoA that is independent of the contractor organization responsible for managing the
construction or constructing the capital asset project. The AoA will be conducted for
projects with an estimated TPC greater than the minor construction threshold or
$50 million (whichever is higher) prior to the approval of CD-1 and may also be
conducted when a performance baseline deviation occurs or if new technologies or
solutions become available. This determination will be made by the PME. The AoA will
be consistent with published Government Accountability Office (GAO) best practices.
Refer to GAO-16-22, DOE and NNSA Project Management: Analysis of Alternatives
Could Be Improved by Incorporating Best Practices.
4. Baseline Clarity. There is only one original PB and it is documented at CD-2 approval.
The PB represents the Department’s commitment to Congress to deliver the project’s
defined scope by a particular date at a specific cost. Cost estimates in advance of CD-2
do not represent such commitments. Also, there should be clarity over the terms PB and
performance measurement baseline (PMB) as they are different. The former is the
project’s baseline, and the latter is for use by the Earned Value Management System
(EVMS). Refer to DOE G 413.3-10, current version, for further clarification.
FPDs, contracting officers, and program managers are accountable for ensuring contract
and project documentation is complete, up-to-date, and auditable. Project baseline
documentation must clearly define scope, key performance parameters, and the desired
product, capability, and/or result. At project completion, there should be no question
whether the objectives were achieved. Contracts and management and operations
(M&O) work authorizations must clearly reflect project objectives and scope. Changes,
especially to project objectives, need to be executed through a timely, disciplined change
control process. Significant changes should be the exception, rather than the norm.
5. Cost Estimating. The authority and accountability for any project, including its costs,
must be vested firmly in the hands of the FPD. Some cost estimate, or cost range, should
be provided at each CD gateway, but the degree of rigor and detail for a cost estimate
should be carefully defined, depending on the degree of confidence in project scale and
scope that is reasonable to expect at that stage. Whatever figure or range that is provided
should explicitly note relevant caveats concerning risks and uncertainties inherent in
early estimates at CD-0 and CD-1 stages given the immature requirements definition at
this juncture. A project owner should never be the sole cost estimator, at any stage (i.e.,
from CD-0 on), given the inherent conflict of interest. The second cost estimator should
come from outside of the line manager’s chain of command, to avoid conflict of interest.
Section 42
Established methods and best practices will be used to develop, maintain, monitor, and
communicate comprehensive, well-documented, accurate, credible, and defensible cost
estimates. Cost estimates shall be developed, maintained, and documented in a manner
consistent with methods and the best practices identified in DOE G 413.3-21 (current
version), GAO-20-195G, GAO Cost Estimating and Assessment Guide, and, as
applicable, with the FAR (e.g., FAR Subpart 15.4, Contract Pricing; FAR Subpart 17.6,
Management and Operating Contracts), Office of Management and Budget Circular
A‑11, Preparation, Submission, and Execution of the Budget, and Department of Energy
Acquisition Regulation (DEAR) Subpart 915-4, Contract Pricing.
DOE O 413.3C Appendix C
08-05-2026 C-5
6. Design Management.
a. Design Management for Nuclear Facilities. Projects involving construction of
new Hazard Category 1, 2, and 3 nuclear facilities intended to manage, store,
process, or handle nuclear materials shall comply with DOE-STD-1189-2016 and
shall achieve at least 90% design completion before CD-2.
The objective of this requirement is to ensure systems, structures, and
components, the overall design, are sufficiently mature to meet project
requirements and outcomes and thus fulfilling the mission need. Design maturity
at 90% completion will ensure that a performance baseline is based on a credible
cost estimate and achievable schedule for project completion.
As a minimum, 90% design complete includes:
Complete final drawings and specifications that may be released for bid
and/or construction
A current and detailed cost estimate
A current construction schedule
Clearly defined testing requirements and acceptance criteria for the safety
and functionality of all subsystems
Independent technical, construction, operation and environmental reviews
of the final drawings and specifications
A quality control review that evaluates both technical accuracy and
discipline coordination
A final design that meets all the requirements stipulated in the code of
record
A final design review that should be a final validation of comment
resolution from previous reviews and a review of any additional
developments since the last review
The checking and verification of any required waivers or exemptions.
The following design and safety basis documents would also need to be prepared
prior to CD-2:
Final design report
Final design review report
Appendix C DOE O 413.3C
C-6 08-05-2026
Preliminary documented safety analysis
Safety evaluation report.
b. Design Management for Non-Nuclear Construction. Non-nuclear project designs
shall be sufficiently mature to allow the PME to ensure achieving a complete,
accurate project baseline with 70–90% confidence. At CD-1, a design plan shall
establish anticipated levels of design maturity at each CD through final design.
Independent project reviews should evaluate progress against the design plans
established at CD-1.
In addition, for all capital asset projects greater than $300 million, the Project
Management Risk Committee (PMRC) will review all project design plans at
CD-1 to ensure design maturity targets at critical milestones are reasonable based
on numerous factors including technology readiness, complexity, total project
cost, and any other relevant factor for the project. Ideally, at CD-2, the objective
is to achieve a design maturity that would be used as a reliable indicator of a
contractor’s actual total costs at completion that would not exceed the original
cost baseline.
Section 43
c. Design Management Plans for Major System Projects. To enhance fiscal insight
and discipline for major system projects, an estimate of the required amount of
project engineering and design (PED) funds to execute the planning and design
portion of a project (period from CD-1 to completion of the project’s design) shall
be included in the CD-1 documentation.
As part of the development and approval process for CD-1 for major system
projects, design management plans will be developed and included in the approval
package. If at any time, through forecasting or actual costs, it becomes apparent
the design cost target will be breached, then the PMRC shall be notified.
7. Design Maturity. All aspects of a project should be carefully studied to employ an
economic and functional design that is closely tailored to the requirements. Particular
attention shall be directed to advancing design maturity to a sufficient level prior to
establishing the PB. The project design will be considered sufficiently mature when the
project has developed a cost estimate and all relevant organizations have a high degree of
confidence that it will endure to project completion. In determining the sufficiency of the
design level, factors such as project size, duration and complexity will be considered.
In conducting external independent reviews (EIRs), the Office of Project Management
(PM) will evaluate the sufficiency of the project’s design maturity. This analysis will
serve as a key evaluation factor in formulating its recommendation to validate a project’s
PB. In addition, when approving a CD, the PME should consider the sufficiency of the
design maturity.
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08-05-2026 C-7
Project design is a process of preparing design and construction documents that result in
fully integrated solutions. For a design to succeed, the entire project team must be
involved in the process from project inception through delivery. The pre-conceptual
design stage denotes the development and documentation of the functional parameters or
capabilities that the potential project must meet. The development of criteria, which are
complete and specifically related to the project requirements, allows for orderly
development of the design. However, care shall be taken to avoid citing superfluous
codes and standards; the primary purpose of functional criteria is to narrow the criteria to
only those applicable to specific alternatives or options. These functional criteria are
further developed, validated, and expanded during the conceptual design stage.
The conceptual design process must ensure that a solution or alternatives are not only
responsive to an approved need, but also technically achievable and affordable and will
provide the best value to the Department. Research, development, testing and other
efforts may be required to finalize a concept. The conceptual design process may also
require negotiation with outside organizations, stakeholders, or other legal entities on
functional, technical, operational, and performance requirements or standards. Value
management (VM) is a key process that supports reaching the best cost and benefit life-
cycle cost alternative. VM should be employed as early as possible so that
recommendations can be included in the planning and implemented without delaying the
project or causing significant rework of designs. VM conducted during the early phases
of a project yield the greatest cost reductions. At a minimum, the conceptual design shall
develop the following:
Section 44
Scope required to satisfy the program mission requirements;
Project feasibility;
Attainment of specified performance levels;
Assessment of project risks and identification of appropriate risk handling
strategies;
Reliable cost and schedule range estimates for the alternatives considered;
Project criteria and design parameters;
Impact on the site sustainability plan; and
Identification of requirements and features.
Appendix C DOE O 413.3C
C-8 08-05-2026
A conceptual design report (CDR) shall be developed that includes a clear and concise
description of the alternatives analyzed, the basis for the alternative selected, how the
alternative meets the approved mission need, the functions and requirements that define
the alternative and demonstrate the capability for success and the facility performance
requirements, planning standards, and life-cycle cost assumptions. The CDR should also
clearly and concisely describe the key performance parameters (KPPs) that will form the
basis of the PB at CD-2. When the purpose of the project is remediation, restoration, or
demolition, other forms of documenting the requirements and alternatives may be used.
The following are requirements for projects authorized by an annual National Defense
Authorization Act. These statutory requirements apply only to projects in support of a
national security program of the Department.
Before submitting a request for funds for the construction project, the Secretary
shall submit a request for funds for a conceptual design for a project if the
estimated cost of the conceptual design exceeds the threshold as stated in
10 United States Code (U.S.C) 6277(a)(1), except as provided in
10 U.S.C. § 6277(a)(3).
The conceptual design for a project shall be completed before requesting funds for
a construction project as stated in 10 U.S.C. § 6277(a)(2).
If the total estimated cost (TEC) for construction design for a project exceeds the
threshold as stated in 10 U.S.C. § 6277(b), funds for that design must be
specifically authorized by law.
Construction on a project may not be started if the current TEC of the project
exceeds by more than 25% the amount shown in the most recent project data sheet
(PDS) submitted to Congress as stated in 10 U.S.C. § 6275(a), except as provided
in 10 U.S.C. § 6275(b).
The preliminary design stage initiates the process of converting concepts to a more
detailed design whereby more detailed and reliable cost and schedule estimates are
developed. This stage of the design is complete when it provides sufficient information
to support development of the PB. The appropriate completion percentage is dependent
upon the type of project. For basic facilities, such as administrative buildings, general
purpose laboratories, and utilities, the design does not have to be as mature as for a
complex chemical or nuclear processing facility (as depicted in Figure 1). The design is
mature when a point estimate can be developed and is ready for an independent review.
The determination of a design completion percentage for reporting purposes will be made
by the Architect-Engineer, as well as by subsystem designers contracted to do the work,
and/or other IPT members.
DOE O 413.3C Appendix C
08-05-2026 C-9
Figure 1: Facility Design Maturity General Guidelines for CD-2
Section 45
Final design is the last stage of development prior to implementation. The purpose of the
final design stage is to prepare final drawings, technical specifications and contract
documents required to obtain bids and quotes for procurement and construction. The
final design should include clear statements of testing requirements and acceptance
criteria for the safety and functionality of all subsystems. The project scope should be
finalized and changes (coordinated through a documented and approved change control
process and Change Control Boards [CCBs]) should be permitted only for compelling
reasons (i.e., substantial economies achieved through value engineering (VE),
accommodation of changed conditions in construction, or reduction in funds or changes
in requirements). In any case, construction should not be allowed to proceed until the
design is sufficiently mature to minimize change orders.
Scientific systems, such as accelerators, detectors, and production and manufacturing
facilities, may not follow a linear design process in which all subsystems reach the same
maturity at the same time. Concurrency in these types of projects increases the risk
because each subsystem design is dependent upon the design maturity of other
subsystems. Projects that have several subsystems may have separate preliminary and
final design stages. Consequently, final designs may be completed at various points in
time in the system development process. Regardless, design reviews should be
conducted for all projects and should involve a formalized, structured approach to ensure
the reviews are comprehensive, objective, professional, and documented.
Appendix C DOE O 413.3C
C-10 08-05-2026
Design reviews (including constructability reviews, where appropriate) are a vital
component of the entire process and should be explicitly included in the schedule for the
design effort. Design reviews shall be conducted by reviewers external to the project to
document the completion of conceptual design, preliminary design, and final design. The
fundamental purpose of the design review is to ensure the following:
Quality of the design.
Meeting of operational and functional objectives.
Maintenance of costs within the budget.
Design sufficiency for the stage of the project; e.g., for final design, the design is
biddable, constructible, and cost-effective.
Interface compatibility.
Compliance of final contract documents with the design criteria.
A detailed, unbiased, analytical approach to all of the above items.
Complete design submittals are required at completion of established design stages;
design and technical reviews shall then be performed. There shall also be a back-check
review at design completion to verify that all comments made during the final design
review stage have been addressed.
8. Earned Value Management System. An EVMS is required for all projects with a TPC
greater than the minor construction threshold or $50 million, whichever is higher. In
accordance with FAR Subpart 52.234-4, a contractor’s EVMS will be reviewed for
compliance with EIA-748, current version, or as required by the contract. See
Attachment 1. For firm-fixed-price contracts, a contractor EVMS is not required. If an
EVMS compliant with EIA-748, current version, is not used, an alternative project
control method must be approved by the PMSO. The alternate system requirement must
be described in the PEP and provided to the contracting officer to be included as a
contract requirement.
Section 46
Alternative project control methods to be used must include at a minimum a work
breakdown structure, integrated master schedule showing critical path, schedule of
values, account of planned versus actual work and cost, and estimate at completion.
Only the facility construction and facility improvement activities of high-performance
computing (HPC) projects will be subject to the earned value management (EVM)
requirements of this Order. “Non-construction activities,” which are programmatic
elements of HPC activities including research and development, leases, and software
development, will be subjected to the following components:
EVM Compliance. Non-construction activities will be tracked with level of effort
activities and milestone achievement and EVM compliance should be eliminated.
DOE O 413.3C Appendix C
08-05-2026 C-11
Project Assessment and Reporting System (PARS) Reporting. Non-construction
activities will be entered with narrative information only.
Project control information will be provided monthly to the FPD for entry into the
Department’s PARS system, including the baseline and status schedules, and data from
the schedule of values and planned versus actual work and cost accounts.
For projects using EVMS and reporting EVMS data, the contracting officer, or the
contracting officers’ representative (COR), normally the FPD, will ensure that contractors
provide required project performance data to the control account level in a contractually
specified format.
a. EVMS Certification. This is the initial determination that a contractor’s EVMS is
in full compliance with EIA-748, current version, or as required by the contract,
on all applicable projects. Documentation of the certification shall be provided to
the contracting officer and the PMSO. The contracting officer must provide
copies of transmittal memoranda or related documents to PM. All relevant
documentation shall be maintained in PARS.
b. EVMS Surveillance. This is meant to ensure that a contractor’s certified EVMS
remains in full compliance with EIA-748, current version, or as required by the
contract, on all applicable projects. A surveillance review may include an
assessment against some or all of the EIA-748, current version, requirements.
The extent of the surveillance review will be tailored based on current conditions.
For contractors where there are applicable projects having a TPC of $300 million
or greater, PM may conduct a risk-based, data-driven surveillance as requested by
the FPD, the Program, or the PME. Documentation of the surveillance will be
provided to the contracting officer documenting the compliance status of the
contractor’s EVMS with EIA-748, current version, or as required by the contract.
9. Environment, Safety and Health Documentation Development.
a. For projects involving Hazard Category 1, 2, or 3 nuclear facilities as defined in
10 CFR § 830, Subpart B:
(1) Prior to CD-1, a conceptual safety design report (CSDR) is developed to:
Document and establish a preliminary inventory of hazardous
materials, including radioactive materials and chemicals;
Document and establish the preliminary hazard categorization of
the facility;
Identify and analyze primary facility hazards and facility design-
basis accidents;
Appendix C DOE O 413.3C
C-12 08-05-2026
Provide an initial determination, based on preliminary hazard
analysis, of safety class and safety significant structures, systems,
and components;
Section 47
Include a preliminary assessment of the appropriate seismic design
category for the facility itself as well as safety significant
structures, systems, and components;
Evaluate the security hazards that can impact the facility safety
basis (if applicable); and
Include a commitment to the nuclear safety design criteria of
DOE O 420.1, current version (or proposed alternative criteria).
(2) At completion of the preliminary design phase, preliminary safety and
design results are developed to reflect more refined analyses based on the
evolving design and safety integration activities during preliminary
design. The preliminary safety and design results should include the
results of process hazards analyses and confirm or adjust, as appropriate,
the items included in the CSDR.
(3) Prior to CD-2, a preliminary documented safety analysis (PDSA) is
prepared that updates and expands the safety information in the
preliminary safety and design results and identifies and justifies any
changes from the design approach described in the preliminary safety and
design results. A plan to achieve operational readiness is prepared using
the core requirements of DOE O 425.1 (current version).
(4) Prior to CD-4, a documented safety analysis is developed based on
information from the PDSA and the safety evaluation report. Technical
safety requirements are developed to document and establish specific
parameters and requisite actions for safe facility operation.
(5) An ORR or RA will be conducted in accordance with DOE O 425.1,
current version.
b. For projects involving facilities that are below the Hazard Category 3 threshold as
defined in 10 CFR § 830, Subpart B:
(1) Prior to CD-1, prepare a preliminary hazard analysis report (PHAR) to
identify and evaluate all potential hazards and establish a preliminary set
of safety controls. Hazardous chemicals are analyzed in accordance with
Integrated Safety Management requirements in DOE Policy (P) 450.4,
current version, 29 CFR § 1910.119, and 40 CFR § 68.
DOE O 413.3C Appendix C
08-05-2026 C-13
(2) Prior to CD-2, a hazard analysis report is developed by updating the
PHAR to include any new or revised information on facility hazards and
safety design. If the hazard characterization is below Hazard Category 3
by analysis, the Safety Basis Approval Authority (SBAA) should approve
this analysis before CD-2.
(3) Prior to CD-3 and CD-4, hazard analysis and controls are updated in the
hazard analysis report.
(4) The PSO will determine what level of readiness review will be conducted.
c. All projects must comply with environmental protection requirements including
National Environmental Policy Act documentation, anticipated permitting
requirements and cost-effective environmental stewardship, advance regional and
local integrated planning goals and sustainable sites, and high performance and
sustainable building principles.
d. A construction project safety and health plan is prepared prior to construction
activities as required under 10 CFR § 851, Appendix A, section 1(d), unless a
variance has been approved.
Section 48
10. Integrated Project Team. The FPD shall organize and lead the IPT. The IPT is an
essential element in DOE’s acquisition process and is involved in all phases of a project.
This team consists of professionals representing diverse disciplines with the specific
knowledge, skills, and abilities to support the FPD in successfully executing a project.
The team size and membership may change as a project progresses from CD-0 to CD-4 to
ensure that the necessary skills are always represented to meet project needs. Team
membership may be full- or part-time, depending upon the scope and complexity of a
project and the activities underway. However, the identified personnel must be available
to dedicate an amount of time sufficient to contribute to the IPT’s success. Refer to
DOE G 413.3-18, current version, for further clarification.
Qualified staff (including contractors) must be available in sufficient numbers to
accomplish all contract and project management functions. Project staffing requirements
should be based on a variety of factors, including project size and complexity, as well as
the management experience and expertise of the project staff. Programs must use a
methodology to determine the appropriate project team size and required skill sets. One
such algorithm is detailed in DOE G 413.3-19, current version. Regardless of the
methodology used, once the appropriate staff size has been determined, programs should
plan and budget accordingly.
The FPD and the team will prepare and maintain an IPT Charter that describes:
Membership (must include the contracting officer);
Responsibilities and authority;
Leads (as appropriate);
Appendix C DOE O 413.3C
C-14 08-05-2026
Meetings;
Reporting; and
Operating guidance.
Nuclear safety experts on a nuclear facility project should include personnel in functional
areas which relate to nuclear safety aspects of the facility. Disciplines within these
functional areas can include design disciplines (civil, structural, mechanical, electrical,
instrumentation); health physics and radiological protection; safety, accident, hazard, or
risk analysis; criticality safety; process chemistry; fire protection; configuration
management; startup testing; conduct of operations; maintenance; operational readiness;
commissioning; and QA. This does not preclude personnel from other disciplines
providing that they have relevant and appropriate nuclear safety experience for the
functional area for which they are responsible.
11. Integrated Safety Management System (ISMS). An ISMS must be in place to ensure that
potential hazards are identified and appropriately addressed throughout the project (refer
to DOE P 450.4, current version). It will be used to systematically integrate safety into
management and work processes at all levels. The project management team will
implement the following seven guiding principles:
a. Line management responsibility for safety;
b. Clear roles and responsibilities;
c. Competence commensurate with responsibilities;
d. Balanced priorities;
e. For Hazard Category 1, 2, and 3 nuclear facilities, the CSDR must identify safety
standards and requirements to include preliminary seismic design category for the
facility itself as well as safety class and significant structures, systems, and
components;
f. Engineered controls tailored to the functions being designed or performed; and
Section 49
g. Tailoring should be applied to a project’s ISMS to enable tasks to be managed at
the appropriate levels that enable those closest to the task plan to assume
responsibility for planning and performance. Refer to DOE P 470.1, current
version, for more information.
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08-05-2026 C-15
12. Key Performance Parameters. A KPP is defined by CD-2 and is a characteristic,
function, requirement, or design basis that, if changed, would have a major impact on the
system or facility performance, schedule, cost, and/or risk. In some cases, a minimum
KPP or threshold value should be highlighted for CD-4 (project completion) realizing in
many instances full operational capabilities may take years to achieve. The minimum
KPPs and facility mission must stay intact for the duration of the project since they
represent a foundational element within the original PB. For NNSA projects, KPPs are
also identified in the program requirements document. Additional details concerning the
application of KPPs are provided in DOE G 413.3-5 (current version).
13. Lessons Learned Process. DOE O 210.2, DOE Corporate Operating Experience
Program, current version, contains the requirements for the systematic review,
identification, collection, screening, evaluation and dissemination of operating
experience. This includes the requirement for submitting and sharing of lessons learned
by PSOs, Heads of Field Elements, and DOE contractors. As such, lesson learned and
best practices are to be captured throughout the continuum of a project. Lessons learned
reporting allows the exchange of information among DOE users in the context of project
management.
Individuals leading project peer reviews, or other reviews intended to meet the project
peer review requirements in this Order (e.g., external independent review [EIR] or
independent project review [IPR] in preparation for a CD action performed in lieu of the
annual project peer review), will elicit lessons learned with potential Department-wide
implications (e.g., those which may impact similar projects, or which may result in an
update to an Order or Guide). Thereafter, they will enter elicited lessons learned into the
lessons learned repository in the DOE lessons learned system of record, as described in
DOE O 210.2, current version, prior to completing their review reports.
Within 90 days of CD-3 approval, the lessons learned during up-front project planning
and design not previously recognized shall be submitted by FPDs to the DOE Lessons
Learned System of record, as described in DOE O 210.2, current version. FPDs will
submit to the DOE Lessons Learned System of record, as described in DOE O 210.2,
current version, additional lessons learned (e.g., project execution and facility startup
lessons learned) recognized since the last project peer review within 90 days of
theirprojects attaining Critical Decision (CD)-4, Approve Start of Operations or
Project Completion.
14. Nuclear Facilities: Safety Design Strategy (SDS) and Code of Record. Early in the
conceptual design phase, an SDS should be developed for Hazard Category 1, 2, and 3
nuclear projects. The SDS provides preliminary information on the scope of anticipated
significant hazards and the general strategy for addressing those hazards. The SDS is
updated throughout subsequent project phases and should contain enough detail to guide
design on overarching design criteria; establish major safety structures, systems, and
components; and identify significant project risks associated with the proposed facility
relative to safety.
Section 50
Appendix C DOE O 413.3C
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Consistent with this Order, DOE O 420.1 (current version), and DOE-STD-1189-2016
for nuclear facilities, adequate resources shall be provided to develop an SDS and a code
of record early in the design phase. The code of record shall be maintained throughout
the CD process and for the remainder of the nuclear facility’s life cycle. The code of
record shall serve as the management tool and source for the set of requirements that are
used to design, construct, operate, and decommission nuclear facilities over their
lifespans.
15. Performance Baseline. The PB, as established in the PEP, defines the TPC, CD-4
completion date, performance, and scope commitment to which the Department must
execute a project and is based on an approved funding profile. The PB includes the entire
project budget (total cost of the project that includes contingency) and represents DOE’s
commitment to Congress and the OMB. The approved PB must be controlled, tracked
and reported from the beginning to the end of a project to ensure consistency between the
PEP, the PDS, and the business case (a requirement of OMB Circular A-11).
16. Planning and Scheduling. Projects shall develop and maintain an integrated master
schedule (IMS). The IMS shall be developed, maintained, and documented in a manner
consistent with methods and the best practices identified in the Planning and Scheduling
Excellence Guide, published by the National Defense Industrial Association, and the
GAO-16-89G, Schedule Assessment Guide.
17. Project Definition Rating Index (PDRI). The project team will perform comprehensive
front-end project planning to an appropriate level before establishing a PB at CD-2. The
PDRI model assists the IPT in identifying key engineering and design elements critical to
project scope definition. PDRI is to be implemented and used for projects with a TPC of
$300 million or greater, as appropriate. This will be accomplished by the FPD. While
not mandated, it is strongly encouraged for use by Programs for projects with a TPC less
than $300 million. See DOE G 413.3-12, current version, for additional information.
18. Project Execution Plan. The PEP is the core document for the management of a project.
The FPD is responsible for the preparation of this document. It establishes the policies
and procedures to be followed to manage and control project planning, initiation,
definition, execution, and transition/closeout and uses the outcomes and outputs from all
project planning processes, integrating them into a formally approved document. It
includes an accurate reflection of how the project is to be accomplished, the minimum
KPPs for CD-4, resource requirements, technical considerations, risk management,
configuration management, and roles and responsibilities. A preliminary PEP is required
to support CD-1. This document continues to be refined throughout the duration of a
project and revisions are documented through the configuration management process.
Key elements of a PEP are provided in DOE G 413.3-15, current version.
19. Project Funding.
a. Incremental Funding. Project budget requests should consider mitigating risks
such as continuing resolutions (particularly for new starts), higher than anticipated
project burn rate and affordability within the program’s capital and operations
budget portfolio.
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08-05-2026 C-17
Section 51
b. Funding Profiles. In approving the funding profile for completing the project,
PMEs must determine that the proposed funding stream is affordable and
executable within the program’s capital and operations budget portfolio. Any
changes to the approved funding profile that negatively impact the project after
CD-2 must be endorsed by the project’s PME, who may not be the Program
Budget Officer. Prior to endorsement by the PME, the CFO and PM will be
notified of any proposed project funding profile changes so that the CFO can
verify that the funding profile is covered within the President’s budget.
c. Funding Documents. All projects, except for major items of equipment, will
provide to the CFO and the PM a project funding document (inclusive of the PDS
for line-item projects) that clearly delineates the budget year funding request,
prior years’ budget requests and appropriations, and future planned budget
requests. Consistent with current budget submission requirements, the PDS for
line-item projects will be included in the Department’s Congressional budget
submission.
The project funding document (similar to PDS) for operating expense projects
will be considered internal information for the CFO, PM, and appropriate senior
leaders during the budget preparation process to document that project funds are
being requested consistent with the funding profile established at CD-2, or the
latest BCP that was approved.
d. Project Engineering and Design Funds. To enhance fiscal insight and discipline
for major system projects, an estimate of the required amount of PED funds to
execute the planning and design portion of a project (period from CD-1 to
completion of the project’s design) shall be included in the CD-1 documentation.
For projects where the top-end range is less than $100 million, the use of PED
funds shall be limited to a 2-year duration, unless approved by the PME. The
PMRC shall be notified of granted time extensions or waivers. The estimate will
be subject to applicable independent reviews.
e. Align Priorities to Program Appropriations. Each program office shall develop an
integrated capital asset project priority list as a corporate tool to enable DOE
leadership to optimize limited budget resources. The priority list shall be updated
at least annually and should rank mission needs that are achieved by each capital
asset project and identify project drivers, internal and external factors for ranking
the projects. The prioritization should be reflected in the annual fiscal guidance.
20. Project Reporting, Assessments, and Progress Reviews.
a. Project Reporting. PARS is the central repository for key Departmental-level
project information. PARS enables receipt of cost and schedule data in the format
specified in the contract to ensure consistency across the federal government and
deploy improved cost and schedule analysis tools in support of PARS updates, the
contractor will provide the FPD with relevant performance reporting information
at the control account level.
Appendix C DOE O 413.3C
C-18 08-05-2026
The Program Offices and FPDs will ensure that project data is uploaded monthly
into PARS. Approval of CD-0 initiates a requirement for project status reporting.
This reporting continues through completion of the PMB for all projects with a
TPC greater than the minor construction threshold or $50 million, whichever is
higher. The PSO will submit key project documentation such as CD and BCP
approval memoranda to PM within 5 business days of document approval.
Section 52
At CD-2 and continuing through completion of the PMB, projects with a TPC
greater than the minor construction threshold or $50 million (whichever is higher)
must report project performance in PARS no later than the last workday of every
month. The data must be current as of the closing of the previous month’s
accounting period.
The information in PARS must accurately reflect current project status and
provide acceptable forecasts to facilitate project management and decision-
making processes. Accordingly:
The FPD must assure project cost and schedule performance reflect
reality. Early warning indicators are essential. Monthly estimates at
completion (EACs) are a must, including a separate EAC, or forecasted
TPC, provided by the FPD.
The contractor must be held accountable for providing timely, accurate,
reliable and actionable project and contractor cost, schedule, performance,
risk, and forecast data, reports, and information. The IPT must be
accountable for its oversight and validation of the data.
Contracts should be structured so as to minimize cost overrun exposure.
When significant PB cost BCPs occur that generate a new TPC, the FPD
and contracting officer shall work together to consider a revised cost share
proposition moving forward. In addition, the FPD and contracting officer
shall work together to ensure the contracts include appropriate
requirements for complete, accurate and timely reporting with appropriate
requirements analysis to support the contractor’s monthly estimates of
project completion cost and schedule.
b. Project Assessments. The FPDs have until the third business day of the month
following receipt of the contractor’s monthly report to accomplish their upload of
performance data and assessment. The program managers have until the sixth
business day and PM until the ninth business day to provide their assessment and
to compile the monthly project status report. PM will coordinate the report with
the programs and on the twenty-fifth business day, forward the report to the
Deputy Secretary.
DOE O 413.3C Appendix C
08-05-2026 C-19
Project performance assessments shall be determined through quantitative and
qualitative methods. Elements to be reviewed include, but are not limited to
EVMS data; contractor’s monthly reports; acquisition management practices; risk
management status; EIRs, IPRs, TIPRs, and project peer reviews; site visits;
staffing assessments; and budget submittals, as well as discussions with the IPT
members.
PM will provide project assessments for all capital asset projects in its monthly
reports to the Deputy Secretary. Ratings shall be assessed against the current
approved PB:
Green. Project is expected to meet its current PB.
Yellow. Project is potentially at risk of not meeting an element of the
current PB.
Red. Project is highly at risk of requiring a change to the PB by the PME
or is not being executed within the AS and PEP.
c. Project Progress Reviews. Quarterly Project Reviews (QPRs) must be conducted
with the applicable PME or their designee. Participation by the PME is strongly
encouraged at all QPRs. However, when it is not possible, the PME can delegate
the review. In no case should it be delegated beyond two consecutive quarters for
projects post-CD-2. The CE may delegate QPRs for major system projects to the
Under Secretaries. PMSO must be provided all QPR reports and invited to
participate in QPRs for all projects with a TPC greater than or equal to
$300 million. Also, PMSO will serve as Secretariat for CE QPRs.
Section 53
21. Project Scope. Capital asset project scope determinations shall adhere to federal statutes,
regulations, policy, and guidance. Specifically, determinations shall comply with the
OMB’s Circular A-11 and associated Capital Programming Guide. Capital asset project
decisions shall be made based on clearly defined scope and the nature and type of work to
be completed and shall include all the project-specific work scope needed to achieve a
complete and usable asset and accomplish the defined mission need using proper project
segmentation or project phasing. The cost of operational activities that occur solely to
support accomplishment of the capital asset project between CD-0 and CD-4 are to be
included in the project’s TPC. Refer to DOE Work Breakdown Structure Handbook.
22. Quality Assurance. QA begins at project inception and continues through all phases of
the project. The FPD is responsible for a Quality Assurance Program (QAP) for the
project and all applicable QA requirements must be addressed. Apply American Society
of Mechanical Engineers Nuclear Quality Assurance (NQA)-1-2008 (edition) and NQA-
1a-2009 (addenda) for Hazard Category 1, 2, or 3 nuclear facilities. The key elements of
a QAP are provided in DOE O 414.1, current version, and 10 CFR § 830, Subpart A.
(See also DOE G 413.3-2, current version.)
Appendix C DOE O 413.3C
C-20 08-05-2026
23. Reviews. Reviews are an important project activity and must be planned as an integral
part of the project and tailored appropriately to project risk, complexity, duration and CD
or phase. Refer to DOE G 413.3-9, current version, for more information. The following
is a summary of key reviews organized by CD.
a. Prior to CD-0.
(1) Mission Validation Independent Review. A Mission Validation
Independent Review, performed by the PSO, is a limited review prior to
CD-0 for major system projects. It validates the mission need and the
rough-order-of-magnitude (ROM) cost range that is provided, in part, to
properly designate the appropriate PME. A value study may also be
conducted, as appropriate, to assist in CD-0. Refer to DOE G 413.3-17,
current version.
(2) Mission Need Statement Document Review. PM will review the MNS
document and provide a recommendation to the PSO for projects with a
TPC greater than or equal to $300 million. The review shall be completed
within 10 days after the submission for non-major system projects and
within 25 days for major system projects.
(3) Independent Cost Review. For major system projects, or for projects as
designated by the CE, PM will conduct an ICR. This review validates the
basis of the ROM cost range and provides an assessment of whether the
range reasonably bounds the alternatives to be analyzed in the next project
phase. It also determines the PME authority designation.
b. Prior to CD-1.
(1) Acquisition Strategy Review. ASs for major system projects must be sent
to the ESAAB Secretariat for review by PM prior to scheduling CD-1
decisional briefings. The FPD and CO must concur with the AS prior to
the PM review. Within 10 days upon receipt, PM will provide a
recommendation to the appropriate PSO who holds approval authority.
Approval of the AS does not constitute approval of the AP. The AP must
be submitted for review and approval in accordance with established
procurement procedures including DOE Acquisition Guide, Chapter 7.1.
DOE O 413.3C Appendix C
08-05-2026 C-21
Section 54
(2) Independent Project Review. For Hazard Category 1, 2, and 3 nuclear
facilities, the PSO will conduct an IPR to ensure early integration of safety
into the design process. The review must: (a) ensure that safety
documentation is complete, accurate and reliable for entry into the next
phase of the project; (b) evaluate whether the preferred alternative process
and facility design, and corresponding safety analyses, are sufficiently
detailed to identify any safety controls that, because of cost,
maintainability, complexity or other limiting characteristics, could
significantly impact the decision to select the preferred alternative; and
(c) validate that the IPT charter has identified appropriate functions, roles,
and responsibilities for members needed to support nuclear safety, and that
the IPT members supporting nuclear safety are appropriately qualified and
have the availability to meet their responsibilities. The PSO approval of
IPRs, specified in Appendix A, Table 2 means that the Program Office and
FPD jointly request the review, establish the review scope and schedule,
and select a team leader.
CNS or CDNS concurrence, as appropriate, is required for reviews of
projects that must implement DOE-STD-1189-2016. The team leader is
the approval authority for the review plan (including the criteria and
review approach documents) and for the final review report.
(3) Conceptual Design Review. Conceptual design review must be conducted
for all projects and involve reviewers external to the project using a
formalized, structured approach to ensure that the reviews are
comprehensive, objective, and documented.
(4) Technology Readiness Assessment (TRA). For major system projects or
first-of-a-kind engineering endeavors, the IPT shall complete a TRA and
technology maturation plan, as appropriate. These assessments are also
encouraged for lower cost projects where new technologies may exist.
(5) Independent Cost Estimate and/or Independent Cost Review. For projects
with a TPC greater than or equal to $300 million, PM will develop an ICE
and/or conduct an ICR, as they deem appropriate. This review validates
the basis of the preliminary cost range for reasonableness and
executability. It also includes a full accounting of life-cycle costs to
support the alternative selection process and budgetary decisions.
Appendix C DOE O 413.3C
C-22 08-05-2026
c. Prior to CD-2.
(1) DOE Review of Preliminary Safety and Design Results. For Hazard
Category 1, 2, and 3 nuclear facilities, DOE conducts an independent
review of the preliminary design and safety results to determine whether
final design should proceed. The review may consist of a single review or
a series of reviews, based on when the preliminary design of the facility
(or of defined segments of the design) is complete and ready to enter final
design. This review is conducted by a DOE-selected team of experts and
its results provided to the FPD for review and action as necessary. The
size and composition of the team reflects the size and complexity of the
project. More than one review may be conducted at the discretion of the
FPD; the SDS should define segments when more than one review is
planned. Independent reviews should be scheduled as early as practicable,
after completion of preliminary design, to minimize project risk. This
review may be handled by the TIPR as long as the appropriate experts are
part of the review team. Refer to DOE-STD-1104-2016 for the required
method for DOE personnel to review and approve the preliminary design
and safety results.
Section 55
(2) Technical Independent Project Review. For Hazard Category 1, 2, and 3
nuclear facilities, a TIPR will be performed to ensure that safety is
effectively integrated into design and construction. The TIPR must:
(a) ensure that safety documentation is complete, accurate and reliable for
entry into the next phase of the project and (b) evaluate the IPT to ensure
that appropriate team member functions to support nuclear safety during
final design have been established, and appropriately qualified team
members have been selected and have needed availability to address
nuclear safety-related matters during final design.
Completion of the TIPR is required at or near the completion of
preliminary design, and prior to the start of any subsequent reviews
(including EIRs) and is required prior to CD-2 approval. The PSO
approval of TIPRs, specified in Appendix A, Table 3 means that the
Program Office and FPD jointly request the review, establish the review
scope and schedule, and select a team leader.
CNS or CDNS concurrence in CD-2 approval is required for reviews of
projects that must implement DOE-STD-1189-2016. The team leader is
the approval authority for the review plan (including the criteria and
review approach documents) and for the final review report.
DOE O 413.3C Appendix C
08-05-2026 C-23
(3) Performance Baseline Validation Review. A performance baseline
validation review is required to provide reasonable assurance that the
project can be successfully executed. IPRs are required to validate the PB
for projects with a TPC less than $300 million. The PME may request an
EIR in lieu of an IPR through PM and shall do so if the PME has no
PMSO to perform the review. For all projects with a TPC greater than or
equal to $300 million, PM will conduct an EIR and develop an ICE in
support of the PB validation. Findings resulting from project reviews
must be addressed by the IPT in their corrective action plan and
expeditiously resolved. Follow-up reviews to validate finding resolution
may be required at the discretion of the reviewing entity.
(4) Project Definition Rating Index Analysis. For projects with a TPC greater
than $300 million, the FPD shall conduct a PDRI analysis. Such analyses
are also encouraged for projects with a TPC less than $300 million.
(5) Technology Readiness Assessment. For major system projects or first-of-
a-kind engineering endeavors, the IPT shall complete a TRA and
technology maturation plan, as appropriate. These assessments are also
encouraged for lower cost projects where new technologies may exist.
(6) Preliminary Design Review. Preliminary design review must be
conducted for all projects and involve reviewers external to the project
using a formalized, structured approach to ensure that the reviews are
comprehensive, objective, and documented.
(7) Final Design Review. Final design review must be conducted for all
Hazard Category 1, 2, and 3 nuclear facilities and involve reviewers
external to the project using a formalized, structured approach to ensure
that the reviews are comprehensive, objective, and documented.
d. Prior to CD-3.
(1) Construction or Execution Readiness Review. An EIR must be performed
by PM on major system projects to verify construction or execution
readiness.
(2) Independent Cost Estimate. For projects with a TPC greater than or equal
to $100 million, PM will develop an ICE.
(3) EVMS Certification Review. For contracts where there are applicable
projects with a TPC greater than $300 million, PM may conduct the
certification review.
Section 56
(4) Technology Readiness Assessment. For major system projects where a
significant critical technology element modification occurs subsequent to
CD-2, a TRA will be conducted, as appropriate.
Appendix C DOE O 413.3C
C-24 08-05-2026
(5) Final Design Review. Final design review must be conducted for all non-
nuclear facilities and less than Hazard Category 3 nuclear facilities and
involve reviewers external to the project using a formalized, structured
approach to ensure that the reviews are comprehensive, objective, and
documented.
e. Prior to CD-4.
(1) Operational Readiness Review or Readiness Assessment. Conduct an
ORR or RA for Hazard Category 1, 2, and 3 nuclear facilities in
accordance with DOE O 425.1 (current version).
(2) Readiness to Operate Assessment. For non-nuclear projects, conduct a
formal assessment of the project’s readiness to operate, as appropriate.
Determine the basis for DOE acceptance of the asset and if the facility or
area can be occupied from both a regulatory and work function standpoint.
Establish a beneficial occupancy and utilization date for the facility and/or
equipment.
24. Project Peer Reviews. These focused, in-depth reviews are conducted by non-advocates
(federal and M&O or other contractor experts) and support the design and development
of a project. The frequency of reviews is based on project complexity and project
performance. For projects $300 million or greater (or lower as deemed appropriate by
the Under Secretaries), Project Assessment Offices that have direct line of responsibility
to the appropriate Under Secretary shall conduct a project peer review between CD-0 and
CD-1, annually between CD-1 and CD-2, at least annually between CD-2 and CD-4 and
more frequently for the most complex projects or those experiencing performance
challenges. The reviews should be performed by peers (with relevant experience and
expertise) independent of the project, to evaluate technical, managerial, cost, scope and
other aspects of the project, as appropriate. Each Under Secretary shall ensure that the
peer reviews have independence from line management and, to the greatest extent
possible, use experts who are familiar with the projects to ensure continuity for future
reviews.
The review teams will be established with the Department’s most talented project,
contract and technical staff from across the complex. This includes both federal and
contractor personnel from within and across Program Offices, which will benefit from
this cross-fertilization by learning from each other. Individuals leading project peer
reviews or other reviews intended to meet the project peer review requirements in this
Order will elicit lessons learned with potential Department-wide implications and enter
them into the DOE Lessons Learned System of record, as described in DOE O 210.2,
current version, prior to completing their review reports.
DOE O 413.3C Appendix C
08-05-2026 C-25
There should be no contractual or budgetary impediments to accomplishing these
reviews, which are fundamental to the professional development of each and every
member of both the project team and the review team. The knowledge and lessons
learned that our project management professional’s gain with each review is invaluable.
Project management professional development and departmental knowledge management
is the ultimate result; enhancements to project execution performance over time are the
by-product. Indirect accounts at the contributing sites should cover these allowable costs.
Section 57
25. Risk Management. Risk management is an essential element of every project and must
be analytical, forward looking, structured, and continuous. Risk assessments are started
as early in the project life cycle as possible and should identify critical technical,
performance, schedule, and cost risks. Once risks are identified and prioritized, sound
risk mitigation strategies and actions are developed and documented in the risk register.
Post-CD-1, the risk register (including new risks) should be evaluated at least quarterly.
Risks and their associated confidence levels are dependent on multiple factors, such as
complexity, technology readiness, and strength of the IPT. Risks for all capital asset
projects should be analyzed using a range of 70–90% confidence level upon baselining at
CD-2 and reflected in funded contingency, budgetary requests, and funding profiles. If a
project has a PB change, FPDs should consider reanalyzing the risks at a higher
confidence level and then reflecting this in budgetary requests and funding profiles.
26. Safeguards and Security. Prior to CD-1, general safeguards and security requirements for
the recommended alternative and preliminary identification of alternatives (including
facility design and the incorporation of safeguards and security technologies) must be
made, and these alternatives evaluated, with respect to their impact on mission needs,
satisfaction of other requirements (such as safety requirements) and other cost
considerations. This input becomes part of the conceptual design requirements for
further development.
Prior to CD-1, a preliminary security risk assessment must be conducted that accounts for
the set of applicable safeguards and security requirements, evaluates the methods selected
to satisfy those requirements and addresses any potential risk acceptance issues. The PEP
and the PB must be reviewed to ensure that cost, schedule, and integration aspects of
safeguards and security are appropriately addressed, all feasible risk mitigation has been
identified, and concerns for which explicit line management risk acceptance will be
required are appropriately supported.
Prior to CD-3, a final security risk assessment report should be issued addressing all the
safeguards and security requirements of the project. The project requirements should be
satisfied by the facility design or the proposed operational features.
Appendix C DOE O 413.3C
C-26 08-05-2026
27. Tailoring.
a. General.
Tailoring is an element of the acquisition process and must be appropriate
considering the risk, complexity, visibility, cost, safety, security, and schedule of
the project. Tailoring must be identified as early as possible prior to the impacted
CD and must be approved by the PME. In the tailoring strategy or the PEP, the
FPD will identify those areas in which a project is planned to be tailored as well as
an explanation and discussion of each tailored area.
Tailoring does not imply the omission of requirements in the acquisition process
or other processes that are appropriate to a specific project’s requirements or
conditions.
Tailoring may involve consolidation or phasing of CDs, substituting equivalent
documents, graded approach to document development and content, concurrency
of processes, or creating a portfolio of projects to facilitate a single CD or AS for
an entire group of projects. Tailoring may also include adjusting the scope of
IPRs and EIRs, delegation of acquisition authority and other elements. Major
tailored elements such as consolidating or phasing CDs or delegation of PMEs
should be specified in the PEP or the tailoring strategy.
Section 58
Tailoring does not apply to nuclear safety requirements, which use a “graded
approach” as prescribed in 10 CFR § 830. Details on developing a tailoring
approach that could be applied are provided in DOE G 413.3-15, current version.
b. Phasing.
Generally, a CD would not be split, and CD-2 is never split. For some projects, it
may be appropriate to phase the work (into smaller, related, complete, and usable
subprojects) and split or phase the CD. In those instances, it may be appropriate
to garner CD-0 and CD-1 approvals for all the smaller projects collectively and
simultaneously. Subsequently, each smaller project must have its own distinct
performance baseline (CD-2) with clearly defined and documented technical
scope, cost, schedule and funding profile including consideration for all
applicable contingencies. See Figure 2.
DOE O 413.3C Appendix C
08-05-2026 C-27
Figure 2: Phasing of a large project into subprojects
As each smaller project achieves CD-2, its cost baseline (or TPC) gets reflected as
point estimates, but the TPC of the large project is a collective total of the smaller
projects, with the expectation that it is less than the CD-1 high end range. After
each phased CD-2 is approved, the earned value for each smaller project
individually must be reported into PARS monthly, as applicable, based on TPC.
When a smaller project is developed, the subsequent CDs will be approved by a
PME commensurate with that project’s TPC.
Although funded contingency is included as part of each smaller project’s TPC,
during execution, it may be held at the large project level and utilized as risks are
realized. Contingency becomes part of the smaller project or an activity after the
approval of the baseline change request to utilize contingency. Cost savings from
one small project can be returned to the contingency pool for other small projects
covered by the same PDS. These additional contingency funds can be applied
toward another small project, if necessary. The large project (aggregated) CD-2
value is finally established when the last small project achieves CD-2 approval.
At that time, the large project’s CD-2 value equals the total value of each of the
original CD-2 values for each of the smaller projects combined. The project
success metrics are based on the execution of each of the small projects.
Appendix C DOE O 413.3C
C-28 08-05-2026
For construction projects that collectively support one mission need, it would be
advisable to include each project on one PDS to achieve maximum funding
flexibility. Examples 1–4 outline how a time-phased, multiple-project PDS can
be developed.
Example 1: Initial Budget Request for PED Funds
Construction Cost ($M) PED Cost ($M)
CD-0 or CD-1
(TPC Cost Range) TPC FY11 FY12 FY13 FY14 FY15
Project A 20–50 - 5 - - - -
Project B 50–100 - 10 - - - -
Project C 100–200 - 10 10 - - -
Project D 75–150 - - 15 - - -
TOTAL 245–500 - 25 25 - - -
Example 2: Initial Budget Request for Construction, Project A (with CD-2 Approval) and
Project B (absent of CD-2)
Construction Cost ($M)
CD-0 or CD-1
(TPC Cost Range) TPC FY11 FY12 FY13 FY14 FY15
Project A - 40 - - 40 - -
Project B 50–100 100 - - 10 50 40
Project C 100–200 - - - - - -
Project D 75–150 - - - - - -
TOTAL - 140 0 0 50 50 40
Example 3: Initial Budget Request for Construction, Projects A & B (with CD-2 approval) and
Projects C & D (absent of CD-2)
Construction Cost ($M)
CD-0 or CD-1
(TPC Cost Range) TPC FY11 FY12 FY13 FY14 FY15
Section 59
Project A - 40 - - 40 - -
Project B - 80 - - 10 50 20
Project C 100–200 200 - - - 100 100
Project D 75–150 150 - - - 25 125
TOTAL - 470 0 0 50 175 245
Example 4: Initial Budget Request for Construction (All Projects with CD-2 Approval)
Construction Cost ($M)
CD-0 or CD-1
(TPC Cost Range) TPC FY11 FY12 FY13 FY14 FY15
Project A - 40 - - 40 - -
Project B - 80 - - 10 50 20
Project C - 200 - - - 100 100
Project D - 140 - - - 25 115
TOTAL - 460 0 0 50 175 235
DOE O 413.3C Appendix C
08-05-2026 C-29
Likewise, it may be appropriate to split CD-4. For example, “CD-4A” to
designate beneficial occupancy of a facility in advance of operations start up,
particularly if there is a significant time lapse.
c. Environmental Management Cleanup Projects.
Office of Environmental Management (EM) cleanup projects are frequently the
antithesis of construction projects in that EM is deactivating, decommissioning,
remediating, stabilizing, and disposing (also known as environmental restoration)
versus constructing. These projects are conducted under a variety of regulatory
processes and site-specific cleanup agreements which are legally binding and
specify the process, end states, decision points and approvals required. The TRAs
plays an important role in determining the solution. For these projects, the
performance and scope parameters and start/end dates are based on negotiated
terms with federal and/or state regulatory agencies. As a result of this variability,
it is not possible to draw a single crosswalk to the traditional construction project
that would be applicable to all EM cleanup projects. Hence, a tailored approach is
necessary for each project. As such, the FPD will submit a tailoring strategy,
which may be included in the PEP, to the PME for approval. For demolition
projects performed by the EM, Appendix D replaces Appendix A and modifies
applicable elements in Appendices B and C. See DOE G 413.3-15, current
version, for additional guidance.
d. Design-Build.
Design-build is a project delivery method whereby a single contract is awarded
for both design and construction. Design-build is normally used most
successfully with projects that have well-defined requirements with limited
complexity and risks. Example projects include road building, administrative
facilities and/or replication of previously accomplished projects. The nuclear
safety requirements of this Order will be fully implemented for defense nuclear
facilities.
(1) The design-build approach requires the development of a functional
design and clearly stated operating requirements that provide sufficient
information to allow prospective contractors to prepare bids or proposals.
It also allows the flexibility to implement innovative design and
construction approaches, VE, and other cost and time savings initiatives.
The overall objective of the design-build approach is to:
Enhance efficiencies in project design integration into construction
execution;
Reduce the total cost to the Department; and
Deliver projects faster than by using the traditional design-bid-
build approach.
Appendix C DOE O 413.3C
C-30 08-05-2026
(2) Because the requirements are well-defined early in the process, and much
of the cost and schedule information and key design criteria are known,
CD-1, CD-2 and/or even CD-3 may be accomplished simultaneously.
Essentially, in requesting a simultaneous approval, CD-1/2, CD-1/2/3 or
CD-2/3, the IPT is asserting that:
Section 60
There is no advantage to the Department of further evaluation of
alternatives;
The project functions and requirements are well known; and
A cost and schedule baseline can be established.
e. Long-Lead Procurement.
CD-3A may be needed for long-lead item procurement. While there is potential
risk in procuring equipment before the design is complete, the potential schedule
improvement may be significant and more than compensate for the risk. If the
long-lead item is nuclear safety-related or nuclear safety-related equipment, safety
document maturity must also be considered (refer to DOE-STD-1189-2016 and
DOE-STD-1104-2016). Procurement of vendor engineering designs, for
example, greatly reduces the risk of incomplete or incorrect final designs that
would otherwise require rework and potentially impact cost and schedule. The
need to phase CD-3 should not be confused with minor, early activities that are
necessary and generally performed prior to CD-3. Activities such as site
preparation work, site characterization, limited access, and safety and security
issues (i.e., fences) are often necessary prior to CD-3 and may be pursued as long
as project documents such as a PDS requesting construction or PED funds to
procure the long-lead items and funding approvals are in place. If CD-3A is
anticipated, the need for this decision and the process should be documented in
the PEP or tailoring strategy.
28. Site Development Planning. Projects including new construction or modifications to real
property assets shall be included in the site’s Ten-Year Site Plan and must provide the
necessary documentation to establish a property record in the Department’s Facilities
Information Management System in accordance with DOE O 430.1 (current version).
29. Technology Readiness Assessment.
The TRA model evaluates technology maturity using the TRL scale. TRAs and
associated Technology Maturation Plans are used as a project management tool to reduce
the technical and cost risks associated with the introduction of new technologies. Where
technological readiness is a significant concern, TRAs should be considered for
alternatives under consideration.
DOE O 413.3C Appendix C
08-05-2026 C-31
Major system projects or first-of-a-kind engineering endeavors must be assessed prior to
each CD using the TRA and should achieve the following minimum TRL scores for each
critical technology item or system as determined by an independent review team outside
of the project team before that CD can be approved. The higher the TRL at CD-2, the
lower the risk to the project. The PME must provide justification to the ESAAB if
pursuing a TRL less than 7 at CD-2, which in turn will notify the CE. The following
represents the minimum TRL at each CD:
CD-1: TRL 4.
CD-2: TRL 7.
For major system projects where new critical technologies are being deployed, the TRA
shall be conducted and the associated technology maturation plan developed prior to
CD‑2. On those projects where a significant critical technology element modification
occurs subsequent to CD-2, conduct another TRA prior to CD-3. It is strongly
encouraged for use by the PME for projects with a TPC less than $1 billion. See
DOE G 413.3-4, current version, for additional information.
DOE O 413.3C Appendix D
08-05-2026 D-1
APPENDIX D
OFFICE OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT CLEANUP PROJECT
MANAGEMENT PROTOCOL AND IMPLEMENTATION STANDARD FOR
DEMOLITION PROJECTS
1. OBJECTIVE.
Section 61
The objective of this appendix is to establish tailored project management requirements
that are applicable to Office of Environmental Management (EM) demolition projects
and consistent with Appendices A, B and C of this Order. These demolition projects
differ from traditional capital asset projects, namely construction projects, in that they do
not necessarily result in a tangible asset (but instead result in reduction of future
liabilities) and are generally funded using operating, versus line-item, funds.
Additionally, established regulatory processes frequently govern the initiation and
definition phases of the projects. Demolition projects differ from deactivation and
decontamination efforts, which are undertaken to remove physical, chemical, and
radiological hazards and material-at-risk that would prevent the safe and efficient razing
of the building or structure. Demolition projects typically involve the concerted, large-
scale destruction and removal of a facility or structure already placed in a stable, de-
energized configuration as a result of the completed deactivation and decontamination
efforts. The precise conditions of this configuration will vary depending on the
demolition approach and final end state selected. However, typical conditions may
include making a criticality event “incredible” under normal and credible abnormal
conditions, including those initiated by design-basis events, or removal of sufficient
material-at-risk to prevent a release above applicable safety basis or air quality
thresholds, while balancing the benefits of further deactivation and decontamination work
with the objective of limiting radiation exposures to those levels that are as low as
reasonably achievable (ALARA) according to DOE Orders.
This protocol establishes the requirements for planning, decision making, execution,
performance measurement, and reporting of demolition projects. The requirements
described herein follow a comparable level of rigor to those described in the remainder of
this Order but are designed to address the unique aspects of demolition projects. The
demolition of facilities does not require the same design elements as construction.
Further, demolition projects are often conducted subject to a regulatory framework
including court orders, decrees, or site-specific cleanup agreements that are legally
binding and may involve their process, schedule, alternative selection, technical
approaches, scope, end states, decision points and approvals. The work is frequently
covered by a record of decision (ROD) or action memorandum. For these projects, the
performance and scope parameters and start/end dates may be based on negotiated terms
with federal and/or state regulatory agencies and other stakeholders. These regulatory
processes and agreements provide equivalency to some standard project management
requirements. This protocol establishes a standard approach to comply with tailored
project management requirements specifically related to demolition projects within the
framework of this Order by allowing substitution of equivalent processes and
consolidating Critical Decision (CD) phases. Tables are provided that summarize the
Appendix D DOE O 413.3C
D-2 08-05-2026
tailored requirements for CD-0/1 (Document Mission Need/Alternative Selection and
Cost Range), CD-2/3 (Approve Performance Baseline/Start of Demolition Activities for
EM Demolition Projects), and CD-4 (Approve Project Completion) for these projects.
Section 62
Additional approval to utilize this protocol is not required.
2. APPLICABILITY.
This protocol applies to demolition work performed by EM, whether at EM-managed
sites or on behalf of another organizational entity at a site controlled by that entity (e.g.,
National Nuclear Security Administration, Naval Reactors, and Office of Science).
This protocol applies to contracts and task orders to be awarded after the effective date of
the protocol. Application of this protocol to capital work on contracts awarded prior to
the effective date of the protocol will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
This protocol applies to demolition projects with a total project cost (TPC) greater than
the minor construction threshold or $50 million, whichever is higher, although Integrated
Project Teams (IPTs) for demolition projects with a TPC less than $50 million are
encouraged to follow this appendix.
This protocol does not apply to EM construction projects. All EM construction projects
with a TPC greater than the minor construction threshold or $50 million, whichever is
higher, are subject to Appendices A, B and C of this Order. All EM construction projects
with a TPC less than $50 million are subject to the policy memorandum with the subject
“Office of Environmental Management Policy for Management of Capital Asset Projects
with Total Project Costs (TPC) equal to or less than $50 million,” from Assistant
Secretary for Environmental Management, Anne White, dated August 31, 2018, and any
subsequent revisions or replacements of that policy.
3. DEFINITIONS.
Definitions for many of the common terms used in this appendix may be found in
Attachment 2 of this Order.
4. OVERVIEW OF EM DEMOLITION PROJECTS AND RELATIONSHIP TO
PROJECT MANAGEMENT.
Demolition projects comprise the majority of projects performed by EM within the EM
Program, exclusive of line-item construction, information technology projects, and major
items of equipment. Many demolition projects use operating funds and are suited to the
use of a project management approach. Demolition projects may involve cleanup of
large facilities or complexes, thus defining the scope as precisely as possible allows for
discrete work activities to be performed and measured to reduce risks. Some key
characteristics of these projects include:
A “temporary endeavor undertaken to create a unique product, service, or result”
(Project Management Institute [PMI] 2017);
DOE O 413.3C Appendix D
08-05-2026 D-3
An effort undertaken to meet specific performance objectives within a defined
schedule, cost and in accordance with key performance parameters (KPPs);
A specific scope of work with definitive start and end points and which can be
practically measured; or
An activity that is non-repetitive.
While EM may utilize any appropriate contract vehicle, task order contracts may provide
the ability to improve project management performance. Federal teams should consider
how best to package their site program and/or projects within a task order or series of task
orders, if possible. Disaggregation of site program work into smaller, discrete work
activities is encouraged because it provides better project definition and clarity, is more
manageable, reduces time horizons and risks, and is consistent with the project
management best practices found in this Order. The contract mechanism utilized shall
establish the project performance measurement baseline (PMB) within the contract cost
target (the contract budget base). Once that contract cost target is established (which
includes PMB and management reserve [MR]), the addition of fee and federal
contingency establishes the TPC. Funding profiles for federal contingency should be
interwoven into the budget for the applicable Congressional control points, just as MR is
included in contractor’s contract cost targets. The CD-4 project completion date is
established by the contract schedule target including contractor schedule reserve and
DOE schedule contingency, or by the project component within the task order.
Section 63
5. OVERVIEW OF EM DEMOLITION PROJECT CRITICAL DECISIONS.
When established regulatory or congressional processes govern the initiation and
definition phases of demolition projects, the regulatory processes, combined with the EM
Mission Statement and specific applicable legislation, satisfy the mission need and dictate
the alternative selection process. In this case, the regulatory processes provide
equivalency for CD-0 and CD-1. The life-cycle baselines (LCBs) associated with the
preferred alternative are a part of environmental liabilities, site LCBs, and changes
thereto. LCBs shall use Government Accountability Office (GAO) cost estimating best
practices, and be reliable and integrated with the site and the entire EM program.
Likewise, they shall be periodically assessed and measured, at all levels, along with
project, site, and portfolio integrated master schedules (IMSs). As a key driver of LCBs,
risks shall also be reviewed throughout the life of the demolition project as part of EM’s
risk management program.
The risk management program includes appropriate programmatic and project risk
registers, mitigation strategies, and resulting programmatic/project contingency.
Appendix D DOE O 413.3C
D-4 08-05-2026
Demolition projects will obtain a concurrent CD-2/3 approval. Regulatory processes may
provide equivalency for the establishment of KPPs. KPPs will align with end-state
requirements when possible. Projects with a TPC greater than the minor construction
threshold or $50 million, whichever is higher, will begin Project Assessment and
Reporting System (PARS) reporting at CD-2/3 approval. Project costs will be collected
from CD-2/3 to CD-4 for all demolition projects.2 Only the costs from CD-2/3 through
CD-4 will be considered in establishing the TPC when the project is baselined. However,
all costs from CD-0/1 shall be captured and reported as part of program costs in an effort
to inform the overarching site and EM Program planning and budgeting effort.
In instances when a regulatory compliance framework is not applicable to drive the
cleanup, the CD-0 mission need requirement is satisfied by the connection between the
proposed project, site integrated life-cycle plan and the EM strategic goals, the EM
mission statement, and/or specific applicable legislation. The CD-1 requirements and
LCB information in this case will be tailored to accommodate the specific project need
consistent with project management best practices.
6. CRITICAL DECISION APPROVAL AUTHORITY AND THRESHOLDS.
Approval authority for CD packages resides with the Project Management Executive
(PME) consistent with TPC thresholds and delegated authorities.
The cognizant Under Secretary3 serves as the PME for demolition projects with a
TPC greater than $1 billion.
The Assistant Secretary for Environmental Management (EM-1) serves as the PME
for demolition projects less than $1 billion and promulgates program-wide policy
and direction.
EM-1 will normally delegate PME authority for demolition projects with a TPC of
less than $300 million to EM Site/Field Office managers.4
EM Site/Field Office managers may further delegate PME authority only with
EM-1 approval.
Under special circumstances, the cognizant Under Secretary and/or EM-1 may choose to
delegate authority for any demolition projects with TPCs greater than the amounts stated
above but falling within their respective authority limits.
2 See Section VIII for exceptions related to projects with approved long-lead procurements.
Section 64
3 In the absence of an assigned cognizant Under Secretary or delegation of Under Secretary functions to EM-
1, the cognizant Under Secretary functions in this appendix will be fulfilled by the Deputy Secretary.
4 The EM Site/Field Office Manager shall be the Director of the EM Consolidated Business Center
(EMCBC) for the EMCBC-serviced sites.
DOE O 413.3C Appendix D
08-05-2026 D-5
This protocol applies to demolition projects with a TPC greater than the minor
construction threshold or $50 million, whichever is higher, although the use of these
requirements and project management best practices is encouraged for demolition
projects with a TPC less than $50 million.
7. REQUIREMENTS FOR APPROVAL OF CRITICAL DECISIONS.
a. CD-0/1, Document Mission Need/Alternative Selection and Cost Range.
The requirements of CD-0 for demolition projects are inherently satisfied by the
EM mission statement, specific applicable legislation, and the applicable
regulatory framework driving the cleanup or the connection between the project,
the site life-cycle baseline, and EM strategic goals. For demolition projects
operating under a regulatory framework, the CD-1 requirements are typically
satisfied by equivalent processes established under regulatory and legal
frameworks such as the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), Resource
Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), National Priority List, and the
Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act
(CERCLA) as these regulatory processes progress. Demolition projects also may
operate as part of the facility disposition process per DOE G 430.1-2 (current
version). Typical equivalencies are shown in Table 1. In these cases, CD-0/1
documentation shall consist of a memorandum submitted to the PME for
record-keeping purposes that documents the scope of the demolition project, cites
the drivers for the demolition, and describes the applicable regulatory framework
under which it will progress with any special circumstances. This memorandum
may be submitted in combination with a CD-2/3 approval package. If it is
determined that a regulatory framework applicable to the demolition project will
not lead to development of the usual equivalent documentation and analysis such
as those noted in Table 1, the PME reserves the right to request stand-alone
documents to address the gap, consistent with documentation required under this
Order and EM administrative requirements.
Appendix D DOE O 413.3C
D-6 08-05-2026
Table 1: Demolition Project Phases, Requirements Areas, and Potentially Equivalent
Documentation
Baseline
Management Project Management
Environmental Management Cleanup
CERCLA RCRA
Facility
Disposition1
Planning Phase
Initiation
Phase CD-0
Document
Mission Need
• Identify program
performance gap
• Identify Need in Terms of
the Mission, Purpose,
Capability, Schedule and
Cost Goals, and
Operating Constraints
• Preliminary Assessment
(PA)/ Site inspection (SI)
• Removal site evaluation (includes
removal PA and, if warranted,
removal SI) and Approval
Memorandum
• Federal Facility Agreement/
Interagency Agreement
• RCRA Facility Assessment
Report (RFA)
• RCRA Permit/Consent
Order
• Facility Assessment
(Site-Wide
Infrastructure Long-
Range Plan)
Establish Integrated Project
Team
Establish Project and Core
Team
Establish Project and Core
Team
Definition
Phase CD-1
Approve
Alternative
Selection and
Cost Range
Pre-conceptual Design
and Conceptual Design
includes:
• Project Risk Management
Section 65
Plan
• Alternative Analysis
• Environmental Compliance
• Waste Management
• Quality Assurance
• Value Engineering (VE)
• Safeguards and Security
Plans
Preliminary
Baseline Range
includes:
• Project Requirements
• Alternatives Analysis
Process
• Technical Scope
• High-Level/Summary
Schedule
• Cost Estimate Range
Remedial
Investigation/Feasibility
Study (RI/FS) includes:
• Scoping the RI/FS
• RI Site Characterization
• RI: Baseline Risk Assessment
(supplement with a project risk
management plan)
• RI Report
• FS: Development and screening
of alternatives
• FS: Detailed analysis of the
alternatives
• FS: Treatability Studies
• FS: Development of preliminary
cost ranges and implementation
timeframes
• FS Report
Remedy Selection includes:
• Identifying the preferred
alternative
• Record of Decision
• Corrective Action Plan
• VE
• Quality Assurance (QA) Project
Plan
Engineering Evaluation/Cost
Analysis (EE/CA) includes:
• Scoping EE/CA
• Site Characterization
• Streamlined Risk Evaluation
(SRE) (supplement with a project
risk management plan)
• Development and screening of
alternatives
• Analysis of the alternatives
• Development of preliminary cost
ranges and implementation
timeframes
• Removal Action
Recommendation
• EE/CA Report
• Action Memorandum
• Administrative Order on Consent
(AOC)
RCRA Facility
Investigation
(RFI) includes:
• Scoping the RFI
• RFI: Work Plan
• RFI: Site Characterization
• RFI Report (supplement with
a project risk assessment
• plan)
Corrective Measures
Study (CMS) includes:
• Scoping the CMS and
potential costs of alternatives
• CMS: Work Plan
• CMS Report
NEPA (in parallel with
CMS): Categorical
Exclusion (CX),
Environmental Assessment
(EA), Environmental
Impact Statement (EIS),
Supplement Analysis (SA)
Remedy Selection includes:
• Identifying the preferred
alternative
• Statement of Basis
• Corrective Action Plan
• VE, QA
Facilities
Characterization
Phase includes:
• Develop Mission
Alternatives
• NEPA (CX, EA, EIS)
• Sampling and Analysis
Plan
• Characterization Work
Plan
• Characterization Report
• Develop Risk
Assessments and
Impacts (supplement
with a project risk
assessment plan)
• Develop Preferred
Alternative
• Prepare Fiscal Year
Execution Plan and
baselines
Remedy Selection
includes:
• Document final
decision
Acquisition Strategy Acquisition Strategy Acquisition Strategy Acquisition Strategy
Preliminary Project
Execution Plan (PPEP)
Proposed Plan and Draft
Record of Decision Public
participation
NEPA Public
Participation Proposed
RCRA Permitting
Actions with public
participation
Define
Decommissioning
Work Plan
Identify Project Endpoint Define risk-based end state
that is consistent with intended
future use
Define risk-based end state
that is consistent with
intended future use
Define risk-based end
state that is
consistent with
intended future use
DOE O 413.3C Appendix D
08-05-2026 D-7
Baseline
Management Project Management
Environmental Management Cleanup
CERCLA RCRA
Facility
Disposition1
Performance
Phase
(Performance
Baseline)
Execution
Phase CD-2
Approve
Acquisition
Performance
Baseline
Performance Baseline
is the original baseline
for the project that
defines:
• Performance parameters
• Technical scope
• Schedule
• Cost
Reviews May Include:
• External Independent
Review (EIR )
• Independent Project
Review (IPR)
Final ROD or Action
Memorandum
Remedial Design/Remedial
Action Work Plan
(RD/RAWP)2 includes:
Section 66
• Cost and Schedule refined
• Waste Management
• Contractor/Subcontractor
strategies
• Independent Field Office and HQ
Assessments
• Land Use Control
Implementation Plan
Final RCRA Permit
Modification and NEPA
ROD
Corrective Measure
Implementation
Plan (CMIP)
includes:
• Cost and Schedule refined
• Environmental Compliance
• Waste Management
• Public Participation
• Independent Field Office and
HQ Assessment
Final
Decommissioning
Work Plan
includes:
• Environmental
Compliance
• Cost and Schedule
• Waste Management
• Environment, Safety
and Health
• Safety Analysis Report
• Quality Assurance
• Safeguards and Security
• Public Participation
• Independent Field
Office and HQ
Assessments
Final Project Execution
Plan (PEP)
Final RD/RAWP Final CMIP
Execution
Phase CD-2
Approve
Performance
Baseline
Performance Baseline
is the original baseline
for the project that
defines:
• Performance parameters
• Technical scope
• Schedule
• Cost
Reviews May Include:
EIR
IPR
Final ROD RD/RAWP
includes:
• Cost and Schedule finalized
• Waste Management
• Contractor/Subcontractor
strategies
• Independent Field Office and HQ
Assessments
• Land Use Control
Implementation Plan
Final RCRA Permit
Modification
Corrective Measure
Implementation
Plan includes:
• Cost and Schedule further
refined
• Environmental Compliance
• Waste Management
• Public Participation
• Independent Field Office and
HQ Assessment
Final
Decommissioning
Work Plan
includes:
• Environmental
Compliance
• Cost and Schedule
finalized
• Waste Management
• Environment, Safety
and Health
• Safety Analysis Report
• Quality Assurance
• Safeguards and Security
• Public Participation
• Independent Field
Office and HQ
Assessments
Final PEP Final RD/RAWP Final CMIP
Execution
Phase CD-3
Approve
Start of
Demolition
Activity
Construction • Execute RD/RAWP
• Independent cleanup verification
per Work Plan/ROD
• Execute CMIP
• Independent cleanup
verification per RCRA
Permit/CMIP
• Execute Deactivation
and Decommissioning
(D&D) Work Plan
• Independent cleanup
verification per Work
Plan
Transition/
Closeout
Phase CD-4
Approve
Project
Completion
• Final Financial Closeout
• Site/Facility/System/
Transition
• Transition/Acceptance
• Criteria
• Transition to Long-Term
Remedial Action
• Field Demobilization
• Final RA report or equivalent
• Notice of Deletion from NPL, if
required
• Operation and Maintenance plan
• Five-Year Reviews of Remedy
Effectiveness
• Field Demobilization
• Corrective Measures report
• Operation and Maintenance
plan
• Post-Closure Inspection and
Maintenance plan
• Periodic Corrective Action
reports
• RCRA permit renewals
• Demobilization
• D&D Final report
• Post-Closure
Monitoring if
necessary
Post
Completion
Phase (No CD)
Transition and
Start of Long-
Term
Stewardship
• CD-4 accomplishes
transition of completed
short-term cleanup to long-
term response action,
institutional controls and
other needed caretaker
actions.
• Site/project transferred from
EM to the Lead Program
Secretarial Office
(PSO) or other
receiving entity.
• Post Construction Report
• Site Completion Report
Execute the actions
of the disposition
baseline (DOE O
430.1C and
associated guides)
Project/Site Transfer Plan Site Completion Report Closure Report Field Decommissioning
Report
Section 67
1 Source: Implementation Guide for Surveillance and Maintenance During Facility Transition and
Disposition, (DOE G 430.1-2, current version); Deactivation Implementation Guide, (DOE G 430.1-3, current
version); Decommissioning Implementation Guide, (DOE G 430.1-4, current version); and Transition
Implementation Guide (DOE G 430.1-5, current version). All steps within this approach may be supplemented by
regulatory processes and documentation produced under CERCLA or RCRA, if applicable.
2 Some sites refer to this document as the remedial design/remedial action implementation plan (RD/RAIP).
Others use both RD/RAWPs and RD/RAIPs constructing the documents in a tiered fashion. It should be noted that
Appendix D DOE O 413.3C
D-8 08-05-2026
Baseline
Management Project Management
Environmental Management Cleanup
CERCLA RCRA
Facility
Disposition1
this is all part of the implementation phase.
In instances when a regulatory framework is not applicable, the CD-0
requirements shall consist of a memorandum that documents the scope of the
demolition project, cites the drivers for the demolition as they relate to the site
life-cycle baseline and EM strategic goals, and describes any special
circumstances. CD-1 requirements will include development of a preliminary
project execution plan (PPEP), an analysis of alternatives (AoA), and a risk
management plan, at a minimum. The AoA may be satisfied by appropriate
NEPA analyses or other state and federal processes that require an appropriate
evaluation of alternatives. The resulting evaluation will be summarized in the
PPEP. The risk management plan should include identification of the time-
phased contingency needed for the demolition project. The combined CD-0/1
package shall be submitted to the appropriate PME for review and approval, in
accordance with Section VI.
In all cases, a Federal Project Director (FPD) should be appointed as soon as is
practicable. Experience gained in management of demolition projects shall be
creditable toward FPD certification requirements under the Project Management
Career Development Program.
b. CD-2/3, Approve Performance Baseline/Start of Demolition Activity for EM
Demolition Projects.
Regardless of the driver, demolition project execution begins at CD 2/3 approval.
The project planning must be sufficiently mature at the time of CD-2/3 approval
to provide reasonable assurance that the project will be executed within the
approved performance baseline (PB) (refer to Appendix C, paragraph 4 of this
Order). If applicable, a remedial design/remedial action work plan (RD/RAWP)
or corrective measure implementation plan (CMIP) should be completed and
results form the basis for the development of the scope, cost, and schedule.
CERCLA processes incorporating NEPA values (Schiffer 1995) may be used to
satisfy NEPA requirements. All other activities are subject to completion of
stand-alone NEPA documentation in accordance with applicable regulations. If
task order contracts are utilized, the performance measurement baseline with
schedule and cost estimates are developed in association with each task order.
They are then integrated for the contract on a rolling basis upon award of each
task order. Site managers and directors, contracting officers, budget analysts, and
FPDs shall evaluate each proposed cost and schedule baseline against the
integrated baseline prior to task order award to ensure that annual budget profiles
are not exceeded and that existing performance metrics will not be compromised
Section 68
DOE O 413.3C Appendix D
08-05-2026 D-9
due to task order award. The schedule must be an IMS, consistent with GAO best
practices, updated on a regular basis, and integrated with the site and complex-
wide schedule in accordance with the EM Program Management Policy. When
possible, EM uses firm-fixed price and cost-plus incentive fee task order
contracting to enhance program and project management. Timeliness of the
independent government cost estimate (IGCE) creation compared to the CD-2/3
decision date may permit the use of the task order IGCE with independent project
review (IPR)-validated DOE contingency estimates as a substitute for a project
independent cost review or independent cost estimate and provides a stronger
alignment between program and project management and contract management.
In such cases, the IGCE shall use GAO cost estimating best practices. The DOE
risk estimate and other direct costs (ODCs) shall be developed by the FPD. The
demolition project success (at completion of CD-4) will be measured against the
PB plan (at CD-2/3), consistent with this Order’s success metric standard.
The document signed by the PME approving CD-2/3 must clearly specify the
project’s approved PB. The PB includes:
(1) The TPC [contract budget base (performance measurement baseline with
MR and fee) plus DOE-owned contingency value at 80% confidence level
(or higher if required by the PME) and DOE ODCs], as driven by the
required funding profile;
(2) CD-4 date (month and year) at 80% confidence level (or higher if required
by the PME);
(3) Scope; and,
(4) KPPs, if applicable, that must be achieved at CD-4.
KPPs will be clearly defined in the scope, contract inspection section, acceptance
sections, and any applicable milestone description sheets that may be negotiated
and appended to the contract. Acceptance of these contract deliverables by the
contracting officer with input and verification from the FPDs shall constitute
documentation of successful achievement of KPPs for CD-4. Contracting officers
and FPDs shall ensure that contract deliverables include all necessary
documentation to support the completion and payment claim.
For projects completed under regulatory frameworks, KPPs are defined in
regulatory agreements such that regulatory approval of project completion
documentation may serve as documentation of successful achievement of KPPs
for CD-4. Documenting KPPs for demolition projects should adhere to
DOE Guide (G) 413.3-5, current version, 6.0 Establishing Key Performance
Parameters (KPPs). In general:
KPPs must be specific scope statements that are discrete, achievable, and
support regulatory key decisions;
KPPs must not be so specific or broad that they are overly complex;
Appendix D DOE O 413.3C
D-10 08-05-2026
KPPs must be reasonable, measurable, and provide reasonable assurance
that key project objectives are met within cost and schedule milestones;
and
KPPs must meet objective criteria.
Work execution will be accomplished in accordance with applicable state and
federal regulations, including the requirements in 10 Code of Federal Regulations
(CFR) § 851, Worker Safety and Health Program; applicable DOE Orders; and
established work control practices to ensure safety and health, quality,
environmental protection, and work planning requirements are met.
Section 69
Table 2 lists the minimum additional requirements needed to attain CD-0/1 for
demolition projects that will not operate under a regulatory framework that
provides full equivalency to the elements shown in Table 1. Table 3 lists the
requirements needed to attain CD-2/3, while Table 4 shows requirements after
CD-2/3 is obtained. Table 5 shows requirements associated with CD-4.
Table 2: Requirements Prior to CD-0/1 for Demolition Projects for which Regulatory
Framework is Not Applicable or Not Fully Equivalent
Prior to CD-0/1
Approval
Authority
Submit a memorandum to the PME that documents the scope of the demolition project,
cites the drivers for the demolition as they relate to the site life-cycle baseline and EM
strategic goals, and describes any special circumstances.
PME
Approve PPEP for demolition project not operating under regulatory framework process
to provide equivalency. (Refer to DOE G 413.3-15, current version.)
Prepare a funding profile to support the execution of the PB, inclusive of funded
contingency, and reflected in the budget document. The funding profile should be
included in the PPEP.
Prepare and justify long-lead item procurements, if applicable.
PME
Develop risk management plan if not satisfied through regulatory framework process. Field Organization
If not utilizing a CERCLA process, issue the draft NEPA analysis as required by
10 CFR § 1021 (e.g., Environmental Impact Statement [EIS], Programmatic EIS,
Supplemental EIS, Supplement Analysis, or Environmental Assessment). (Refer to DOE
Policy [P] 451.1, current version, and EM-specific policies and procedures.)
Delegated
Authority
Table 3: Requirements for All Demolition Projects Prior to CD-2/3
Prior to CD-2/3
Approval
Authority
Develop AS. PSO1
Establish a PB, reflective of identified and assessed risks and uncertainties, to include
TPC, CD-4 date, and if applicable, minimum KPPs. The key project milestones and
completion dates shall be stated no less specific than month and year. The scope will be
stated in quantity, size and other parameters, as appropriate, that give shape and form to
the project. The funding assumptions upon which the PB is predicated will be clearly
documented and approved. (Refer to DOE G 413.3-5, current version.)
FPD
DOE O 413.3C Appendix D
08-05-2026 D-11
Prior to CD-2/3
Approval
Authority
Approve a PEP. For activities not operating under regulatory framework process to
provide equivalency, a full PEP shall be prepared. Activities operating under a regulatory
framework shall prepare a limited scope PEP for any necessary content elements not fully
satisfied by the regulatory process (Refer to DOE G 413.3-15, current version.)
Approve a funding profile to support the execution of the PB, inclusive of funded
contingency, and reflected in the budget document. The funding profile should be
included in the PEP and should be quantified and time-phased at the agreed-upon
confidence level (minimum 80%, or higher if required by the PME). Prepare and justify
long-lead item procurements, if applicable.
PME
Develop a risk management plan if not satisfied through regulatory framework process. Field
Organization
Complete PDRI analysis for projects with TPC greater than $300 million (refer to
DOE G 413.3-12, current version, which allows for alternative program-specific PDRI
tools such as the EM critical decision analysis tool).
FPD
Section 70
Project Management Support Office (PMSO) will conduct an Independent Project Review
(IPR) to validate the PB for demolition projects with a TPC greater than $300 million
(Refer to DOE G 413.3-9, current version) unless justification is provided and a waiver is
granted by the PME. The PMSO will invite a PM representative to be part of the IPR
team and must issue a performance baseline validation letter to the PME that describes the
cost, schedule, and scope being validated. (Refer to DOE G 413.3-9, current version). For
projects greater than the minor construction threshold or $50 million, whichever is higher,
and less than $300 million, prior to CD-2, an independent project review shall be
performed by PMSO or another organization independent of the project.
PMSO or other
independent
organization
(based on TPC
value)
Employ an Earned Value Management System (EVMS) compliant with Electronic
Industries Alliance (EIA)-748, current version, or as required by the contract, for projects
greater than the minor construction threshold or $50 million, whichever is higher. (Refer
to DOE G 413.3-10, current version.) If the contract does not require use of EVMS (e.g.,
a firm-fixed price contract), file an exemption memorandum in accordance with this
Order.
Certified by: DOE
Office of Project
Management
Oversite and
Assessment (DOE
PM) greater than
or equal to
$100 million
Update and approve the documented safety analysis for nuclear facilities or hazard
analysis report for facilities that are below the Hazard Category 3 nuclear facility
threshold, as defined in 10 CFR § 830, Subpart B, based on new hazards and design
information. Develop and approve the PDSA for nuclear facilities that involve
a demolition activity that constitutes a major modification as defined in
DOE-STD-1189-2016.
Field
Organization and
Delegated
Authority
Review and update for demolition projects, as needed, the Quality Assurance Program and
make any necessary updates. (Refer to 10 CFR § 830, Subpart A; DOE O 414.1, current
version, and DOE G 413.3-2, current version; and applicable version of NQA-1.)
If work is not being performed under an EM quality program, approval must be
established using EM-QA-001 Rev. 2, or current revision.
Delegated
Authority
Perform security risk assessments, as required. (Refer to DOE O 470.4, current version,
and DOE G 413.3-3, current version.)
Officially
Designated
Federal Security
Authority
(ODFSA)
Appendix D DOE O 413.3C
D-12 08-05-2026
Prior to CD-2/3
Approval
Authority
If not utilizing a CERCLA process, issue the final NEPA documentation as required by
10 CFR § 1021 (e.g., EIS, Programmatic EIS, Supplemental EIS, or Supplement Analysis
and Record of Decision or Amended Record of Decision; or Environmental Assessment
and Finding of No Significant Impact) (Refer to DOE P 451.1, current version and EM-
specific policies and procedures.)
Delegated
Authority
Prepare a project funding document, similar to a project data sheet, and in consultation
with the Office of the Chief Financial Officer (CFO), for demolition projects that
delineates the budget year funding request, prior year budget requests and appropriations,
and future planned budget requests. This funding document will reflect the most recent
PME approved and document funding profile. (Refer to DOE CFO budget call for project
funding document template.)
PME2
Appoint Federal Project Director appropriate to the proposed project TPC if not
already completed.
PME
Section 71
Complete all Integrated Safety Management and Work Planning and Control
documentation.
Field
Organization
Complete contractor management self-assessment and DOE readiness assessment or
operational readiness review, as appropriate.
Field
Organization
Complete site assessments and characterization with hazards identified and plans for
remediation and restoration included in statement of work when applicable to demolition
project scope.
Field
Organization
1 Approval of the AS may be delegated to the PME for activities with a TPC less than $300 million.
2 In such instances, PME endorsement is required to ensure that appropriate (baselined) funding targets are being met,
consistent with the cost baseline.
Table 4: Requirements for All Demolition Projects after CD-2/3 Approval
Post-CD-2/3
Approval
Authority
Submit all CD documents, and if there are changes to the PB, submit baseline change
proposal (BCP) documents to PMSO with a copy to DOE PM and within PARS, to ensure
independent oversight.
FPD
Endorse any changes to the approved funding profile that negatively impact the project. FPD and PME
Provide Congressional notification pursuant to 10 U.S.C. § 6284, as appropriate.1 PMSO
Within 90 days, submit lessons learned regarding up-front project planning and design not
yet recognized into the DOE Lessons Learned System of record, as described in
DOE O 210.2 (current version).
FPD
For demolition projects with a TPC greater than the minor construction threshold or
$50 million, whichever is higher, initiate monthly PARS reporting (including earned value
data).2 FPD, Program Manager, and DOE PM will provide monthly assessments.
FPD
Commence quarterly project reviews with the PME or their designee. —
DOE O 413.3C Appendix D
08-05-2026 D-13
Post-CD-2/3
Approval
Authority
Conduct project peer review (PPR) annually for projects with TPC greater than
$300 million. A DOE PM representative shall participate on each PPR team as a means to
ensure an independent perspective outside the PMSO is provided and documented in the
PPR and/or stand-alone report. Individuals leading PPRs or other reviews intended to
meet the PPR requirements in this Order, shall elicit lessons learned with potential
Department-wide implications and submit them into the DOE Lessons Learned System of
record, as described in DOE O 210.2, current version.
PMSO
Review and finalize the site restoration plan to meet regulatory and site requirements,3 if
applicable.
Field Organization
1 (A) In general The Secretary shall establish a cost and schedule baseline under the project management
protocols of the DOE for each defense environmental cleanup project that is (i) in excess of $50 million; and
(ii) carried out by the Department pursuant to such protocols.
(B) Notification to congressional defense committees—not later than 30 days after establishing a cost and schedule
baseline under subparagraph (A), the Secretary shall submit the cost and schedule baseline to the congressional
defense committees.
2 See Section 8 for exceptions related to projects with approved long-lead procurements.
3 Site restoration plans must include, at a minimum, engineering specifications for materials to be used,
materials placement and compaction, vegetative cover (i.e., percent coverage to be established and allowable
species), contour requirements, satisfaction of special permit conditions (e.g., wetlands and protected and
endangered species), and native or cultural resources protection/restoration. Several of these elements may require
additional documentation to fully satisfy regulatory requirements (i.e., protection of cultural resources under the
National Historic Preservation Act), but the approaches and commitments should be summarized in the restoration
plan.
Section 72
c. CD-4, Approve Project Completion.
CD-4 is the achievement of the project completion criteria defined in the PEP,
contract documents, and regulatory framework documents. This achievement
marks the completion of the execution phase.
The approval of CD-4 is predicated on completion of the demolition project. The
PME approves CD-4 upon notification from the project team that all project
completion criteria defined in the PEP, contract documents, and regulatory
framework documents have been met. The document signed by the PME
approving CD-4 must clearly specify the scope accomplished, the TPC, KPPs
met, and the completion date (month and year) as it relates to the original CD-2/3
performance baseline and latest approved baseline change. The date the PME
signs the document represents the CD-4 completion date. Table 5 lists the
requirements needed to attain CD-4 and actions required after CD-4 approval. If
a demolition project is terminated prior to completion (CD-4), the FPD shall
coordinate with PMSO to document the project closeout in accordance with
Section 7.d of this appendix.
Appendix D DOE O 413.3C
D-14 08-05-2026
Table 5: CD-4 Requirements1 for All Demolition Projects
Prior to CD-4
Approval
Authority2
Verify that KPPs have been met and that mission requirements have been achieved. The FPD
will verify and document the scope accomplished, TPC, KPPs met, and the completion date as
it relates to the original CD-2/3 performance baseline and the latest approved baseline change.
Regulatory approval of project completion documentation may serve as documentation of
successful achievement of KPPs for CD-4.
FPD
Perform a verification activity to ensure that all contractual, regulatory and permit
requirements have been met, completed, and documented, and that no further RCRA/CERCLA
response is needed to protect human health and the environment.
Field
Organization
Update and approve, or cancel if appropriate, the documented safety analysis for nuclear
facilities or hazard analysis report for facilities that are below the Hazard Category 3 nuclear
facility threshold as defined in 10 CFR § 830, Subpart B, based on new hazards and design
information.
Field
Organization
and Delegated
Authority
Issue Safety Evaluation Report, as necessary. Field
Organization
and Delegated
Authority
Approve final as-built engineering drawings, as necessary. FPD and Field
Organization
If applicable, complete and submit contractor evaluation documents to the PME, the
appropriate PSO, and the Office of Acquisition Management in accordance with FAR 42.15.
Field
Organization
Post-CD-4
Approval
Authority
Submit all CD documents to PMSO with a copy to DOE PM for maintenance of independent
project management success metrics.
Field
Organization
Complete minor punch list items such as regulatory reports and minor field work. Field
Organization
verifies
completion
Finalize PARS reporting (including earned value data). —
Within 90 days, submit lessons learned regarding project execution not yet recognized into the
DOE Lessons Learned System of record, as described in DOE O 210.2, current version.
FPD
Within 90 days, submit an initial project closeout report to the PMSO unless otherwise
specified by the PME.
Field
Organization
1 Documents and reports are not intended to be stand alone and may be combined.
2 Where no approval authorities are noted, authorities are established through other directives or the Program
Offices (e.g., Functions and Requirements Assignment Matrix).
Section 73
DOE O 413.3C Appendix D
08-05-2026 D-15
d. Project Closeout.
After the project is complete, the next step is project closeout. Project closeout
provides a determination of the overall closure status of the project, contracts,
regulatory drivers, and fiscal condition. After CD-4 approval, the project shall
complete the activities listed in Table 6 for the project to be considered “closed.”
Table 6: Project Closeout Requirements1 for All Demolition Projects
Prior to Project Closeout
Approval
Authority2
Perform final administrative and financial closeout. Prepare the final project closeout report
once all project costs are incurred and invoiced and all contracts are closed. The report
includes final cost details as required to include claims and claims settlement strategy where
appropriate. (Refer to DOE G 413.3-16, current version.)
Field
Organization
Establish and/or update the property record in the Facilities Information Management
System (FIMS) for all modifications to real property. Update the real property planning and
budgeting documentation as required. (Refer to DOE O 430.1C, current version.)
—
1 Documents and reports are not intended to stand alone and may be combined.
2 Where no approval authorities are noted, authorities are established through other directives or the Program
Offices (e.g., Functions and Requirements Assignment Matrix).
8. PROJECTS REQUIRING LONG-LEAD PROCUREMENTS.
It may be necessary to obtain CD-3 approval early, namely CD-3A, for long-lead item
procurement. When exercising long-lead procurement, the FPD must consider project
plan maturity and the associated project risk. When applicable, a net present value
justification for early approval of CD-3A (long-lead procurement) scope should be
included with the CD-3A proposal data. If the long-lead item is nuclear safety-related or
nuclear safety-related equipment, nuclear safety document maturity must be considered.
This is the only instance when a CD action may be taken out of sequence (i.e., CD-3A in
advance of CD-2/3). Activities such as incidental site preparation work; site
characterization; limited access; and safety and security issues (e.g., fences) are often
necessary prior to CD- 2/3. Approval of the CD-3A package for long-lead items
technically represents the start of the demolition project execution. However, the
remaining demolition project scope must still be approved in a CD-2/3 package at a later
date. The approval authority for CD-3A packages shall reside with the PME applicable
to the associated TPC value as stipulated in this protocol. The TPC value, not the CD-3A
value, is the basis for determining the applicable PME. Projects with an approved
CD-3A will begin reporting in PARS after CD-3A approval.
Appendix D DOE O 413.3C
D-16 08-05-2026
9. BASELINE MANAGEMENT.
a. Performance Baseline Deviation.
A performance baseline deviation occurs when the approved TPC, CD-4
completion date, or performance and scope parameters cannot be met. This
includes any disaggregation of demolition project scope in an effort to establish a
smaller project in the immediate term or at a later date. The FPD must promptly
notify management whenever project performance indicates the likelihood of a
PB deviation. When a deviation occurs, the approving authority must make a
specific determination whether to terminate the project or establish a new PB by
requesting the FPD to submit a baseline change proposal (BCP). A formal
corrective action plan shall be developed by the Program Office to address root
causes resulting in a project performance baseline deviation. The corrective
action plan shall be submitted to the PME for approval, and along with the root
cause analysis, inform the PME’s decision during the BCP approval process.
Section 74
New PB values established due to a deviation must be validated by the PMSO and
approved by the PME. During the performance baseline change process, PM
shall assess and validate, as a member of the PMSO IPR, the extent and
effectiveness to which corrective actions have been taken to address and resolve
the identified root causes.
Following approval of a project performance BCP, PM, as a review team
participant or observer on project peer reviews when necessary and as
appropriate, shall independently assess the effectiveness of approved corrective
actions taken to address and resolve the identified root causes. The PMSO shall
do likewise when PM is otherwise not available as a participant or observer.
In circumstances where a PB deviation is beneficial to the project—such as a
lower TPC, earlier completion date, or significant scope enhancements—a
validation of the PB deviation or approval by the PME is not required.
b. Performance Baseline Changes.
A performance baseline change represents an irregular event which should be
avoided to the maximum extent. The PME is the final approval authority for PB
changes for which the resulting TPC falls within their delegated authority, subject
to the limitations listed in Section 4. This approval authority may not be
delegated for changes that increase the TPC or schedule. If the resulting TPC
exceeds the PME’s authority, approval reverts to the next higher approval
authority. New PB or PMB approval thresholds and authorities should be
documented in the PEP for project changes below the thresholds identified.
These approval levels must be incorporated into the change control process for
each project. Table 7 identifies when a deviation must be approved by the
cognizant Under Secretary. The approval by the PME or cognizant Under
Secretary does not constitute approval of individual contract changes and
modifications. If a contract change is necessary, the contracting officer has
DOE O 413.3C Appendix D
08-05-2026 D-17
exclusive authority to issue changes and modify contracts, but only if the changes
or modifications comply with regulatory and statutory requirements. It is critical
that the FPD and the contracting officer ensure that changes to the contract are
identified, issued, administered, and managed in a timely manner over the life of
the project and contract. The PB change process should not be used to
circumvent proper change control management and contract management. The
project shall utilize the baseline validation process established in Table 7.
Confidence levels used in estimating costs associated with these changes should
be at or above the agreed-upon percentiles originally used to establish the PB.
The document signed by the PME or cognizant Under Secretary approving the
BCP must clearly specify the project’s revised PB, which includes the TPC, CD-4
date (month and year), scope and minimum KPPs that must be achieved at CD-4.
Table 7: Performance Baseline Change Authority
Type of
Performance
Baseline Change Changes Requiring Cognizant Under Secretary Approval
Technical Any change in scope and/or performance that affects the ability to satisfy the mission need or
is not in conformance with the current approved PEP.
Cost Increase in excess of the lesser of $250 million or 50% (cumulative) of the original CD-2
cost baseline.
Pursuant to 10 U.S.C. § 6284, appropriate Congressional notification shall be
made for baseline changes exceeding the amount that is equal to 125% of the
established baseline and for any subsequent changes.
Section 75
In addition, the cognizant Under Secretary must endorse any reduction in funding
that adversely affects the project’s approved funding profile. DOE PM shall be
notified of these funding decrements. The cognizant Under Secretary, PMSO,
and DOE PM shall be notified of all:
(1) Schedule delays that breach the original PB by greater than 12 months;
(2) Post-CD-2 projects that are terminated; or
(3) Demolition projects no longer able to meet the Department’s objective
(see Appendix A, paragraph 1 of this Order).
A root cause analysis and corrective action plan should be completed when a PB
change occurs, consistent with the Order thresholds in Appendix D, section IX.B.
This applies to a demolition project, and to significant changes at the
programmatic level. For changes requiring Congressional notification, this
analysis must be provided consistent with 10 U.S.C. § 6284.
Decrements to approved PB funding profiles must be endorsed by the PME. In
circumstances where a PB change is beneficial to the project, PB changes can be
approved at lower levels as designated in the PEP.
Appendix D DOE O 413.3C
D-18 08-05-2026
c. Directed Changes.
Directed changes are caused by DOE policy directives (such as those that have
the force and effect of law and regulation), regulatory or statutory actions and are
initiated by entities external to the Department, to include external funding
reductions. Directed change decisions are reviewed and verified by DOE PM and
the Office of Management and Budget and follow the appropriate baseline
management process as denoted in Section VII.B, above, with the exception of
the root cause analysis.
d. Change Control.
Change control, as defined in the PEP, ensures that project changes are identified,
evaluated, coordinated, controlled, reviewed, approved/disapproved, and
documented in a manner that best serves the project. One key goal of change
control is to ensure that PB thresholds are not exceeded. Approval authority for
changes depends upon the estimated impact(s) of the change and can range from
the contractor to the cognizant Under Secretary, usually with the involvement and
support of a Change Control Board (CCB). CCB membership, authorities,
thresholds, and procedures should be detailed or referenced within the PEP.
e. Contract Modifications for New Performance Baseline, if Applicable.
Prior to approval of a baseline change by the PME, the FPD shall coordinate with
the contracting officer to identify the specific contract changes that may be
required, develop an IGCE (refer to FAR 36.203 and FAR 15.406-1), establish a
schedule for receipt of a contractor’s proposals, obtain audit support, and ensure
the timely analysis, negotiation, and execution of contract modifications that
comply with regulatory and statutory requirements.
f. Cancellation of Projects.
If a demolition project is to be cancelled at any point after CD-0, the respective
PME shall approve a cancellation decision and PARS will be updated, as
necessary, to reflect the cancellation of the project. For all post-CD-2
cancellations, a formal written notification shall be issued to the cognizant Under
Secretary and the Office of the Chief Financial Officer via PMSO. The formal
written notification shall outline the reasons for the cancellation, how the mission
need will be impacted, and a disclosure of all funds expended prior to the
cancellation and the costs associated with the cancellation.
10. REFERENCES
Section 76
DOE G 430.1-2, current version. Implementation Guide for Surveillance and
Maintenance During Facility Transition and Disposition.
DOE G 430.1-3, current version. Deactivation Implementation Guide.
DOE G 430.1-4, current version. Decommissioning Implementation Guide.
DOE O 413.3C Appendix D
08-05-2026 D-19
DOE G 430.1-5, current version. Transition Implementation Guide.
PMI. (2017). A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK®
Guide)- Sixth Edition. Newtown Square, PA: PMI.
Schiffer, L. J. (1995, January 23). Memorandum to S. Herman, R. Nordhaus, K.
McGinty, S Wasserman Goodman, et al. Agreed to Report of March 31, 1994 Meeting
Regarding the Application of NEPA to CERCLA Cleanups. 1995: U.S. Department of
Justice.
DOE O 413.3C Attachment 1
08-05-2026 Page 1
ATTACHMENT 1
CONTRACTOR REQUIREMENTS DOCUMENT
DOE O 413.3C, PROGRAM AND PROJECT MANAGEMENT FOR THE ACQUISITION
OF CAPITAL ASSETS
This Contractor Requirements Document (CRD) sets forth requirements applicable to the
contract to which this CRD is inserted. The contractor is responsible for performing program
and project management of Department-owned or -leased facilities as determined by the Federal
Project Director (FPD) and contracting officer, in conjunction with the federally assigned
Integrated Project Team members. The contractor shall: (1) comply with the requirements of
this CRD to include subcontractors, and (2) flow down the appropriate requirements of the CRD
to a subcontractor, when the total project costs to the prime contractor are greater than the minor
construction threshold or $50 million (whichever is higher).
The contractor’s project management system shall satisfy the following requirements:
1. The contractor shall coordinate with the FPD to identify and define risk-informed
tailoring opportunities for capital assets project for approval by the Project Management
Executive (PME).
2. The contractor shall identify conflicts between this CRD and the existing Management
and Operating contract requirements, if applicable, and coordinate them with the
Field/Site Office contracting officer.
3. The contractor may be granted delegations, equivalencies, exemptions and/or variances
by the DOE or NNSA Field/Site Office with concurrence from the applicable DOE or
NNSA Program Offices.
4. Except for firm-fixed-price contracts, the contractor shall:
Employ an Earned Value Management System (EVMS) prior to Critical Decision
(CD)-2, or upon contract award, for projects greater than the minor construction
threshold or $50 million (whichever is higher), unless granted an exemption from
the Project Management Support Office (PMSO). The system shall be compliant
with EIA-748, current version, or as required by the contract, in accordance with
contract clause Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) Subpart 52.234-4, EVMS.
Maintain an EVMS compliant with EIA-748, current version, or as required by
the contract when there are applicable projects with a TPC between the minor
construction threshold or $50 million (whichever is higher) and $300 million.
For contractors with projects that have a TPC greater than $300 million, the
contractor will self-certify EVMS compliance with EIA-748, current version,
through initial certifications and/or annual surveillances, or as required by the
contract, and provide the final summary report documenting the results to the
PMSO and Field/Site Office.
Attachment 1 DOE O 413.3C
Page 2 08-05-2026
Section 77
Receive continued surveillance of EVMS compliance with EIA-748, current
version, or as required by the contract, when there are applicable projects having a
TPC of $300 million or greater. PM may conduct a risk-based, data-driven
surveillance as requested by the FPD, the Program, or the PME. Documentation
of the surveillance will be provided to the contracting officer documenting the
compliance status of the contractor’s EVMS with EIA-748 (current version), or as
required by the contract.
Provide access to all pertinent records and data requested by the contracting
officer, PM, or other duly authorized representative as necessary to permit
government surveillance to ensure EVMS complies, and continues to comply,
with EIA-748, current version, as appropriate, or as required by the contract.
Submit a request for an over-target baseline or over-target schedule to the
contracting officer when indicated by performance. The request shall include a
top-level projection of cost (known as an estimate at completion) and/or schedule
growth (known as an integrated master schedule), a determination of whether or
not performance variances will be retained, and the schedule for the
implementation of the rebaselining. Refer to DOE G 413.3-20, current version.
5. For projects with a TPC less than $300 million, the contractor may request an exemption
from using EVMS. For firm-fixed-price contracts, a contractor EVMS is not required. If
contractor requests and an EVMS waiver is approved by the PMSO, the contractor will:
Use an alternative project control method approved by the PMSO.
Describe the alternate project control system in detail to the contracting officer.
Ensure the system provides adequate insight to potential risks to DOE relating to
achievement of cost, schedule, and technical performance objectives.
Ensure the alternate project control methods include at a minimum a work
breakdown structure, integrated master schedule showing critical path, schedule
of values, account of planned versus actual work and cost, and estimate at
completion (EAC).
Beginning no later than 3 months following CD-2, the contractor will provide to
the FPD project control information monthly for upload, including upload of the
baseline and status schedules, and data from the schedule of values and planned
versus actual work and cost accounts, into the Department’s PARS system.
DOE O 413.3C Attachment 1
08-05-2026 Page 3
6. The contractor shall submit to the FPD monthly project performance data beginning no
later than three months following CD-2 for projects having a total project cost greater
than the minor construction threshold or $50 million (whichever is higher).
a. For projects executed under a cost reimbursement contract and required to use an
EVMS compliant with EIA-748, current version, or as specified in the contract,
the required project performance data must be provided at the control account
level. This includes:
Earned value data consistent with EIA-748, current version, or as required
by the contract;
Time-phased incremental budget;
Management reserve;
Integrated master schedule (both baseline and status);
Variance analysis;
Risk management data; and
Formal submission of all DOE integrated program management report
(IPMR) formats to the contracting officer and FPD for upload to PARS.
Section 78
b. For a project or a portion of a project being accomplished under a cost
reimbursement contract, where EVMS requirements have been waived and an
alternate project control system adopted, project performance data will be
provided monthly to the FPD and will include:
Baseline and status schedules;
Schedule of values data;
Planned versus actual work and control account data;
Variance analysis;
Risk management data; and
EAC data.
Attachment 1 DOE O 413.3C
Page 4 08-05-2026
c. Under a firm-fixed-price construction contract, EVM is not mandated by the
government. However, it is not discouraged if used by a contractor to manage its
projects as a standard business practice. Unlike a cost reimbursement contract,
firm-fixed-price contracts are not subject to adjustment on the basis of the
contractor’s cost experience in performing the contract. Management of firm-
fixed-price construction projects are accomplished through establishment of
performance milestones, schedules, and percentage of project completion. For
construction contracts, FAR Subpart 52.232-5, Payment[s] Under Fixed-Price
Construction Contracts, governs payment and the data that the contractor must
provide to support its estimate of work accomplished. Substantiation includes an
itemization of the amounts requested, related to the various elements of work
required by the contract covered by the payment requested and a listing of the
amount included for work performed by each subcontractor under the contract,
the total amount of each subcontract under the contract, and amounts previously
paid to each subcontractor under the contract. While firm-fixed-price
construction projects cannot require the regular submission of cost data as with a
cost reimbursement contract, successful project and contract execution is highly
dependent on well-defined requirements that serve as the foundation upon which
performance milestones are developed, accomplished, and evaluated.
d. Data shall be provided to the FPD no later than one week before the last workday
of every month. These data shall be current as of the close of the previous
month’s accounting period. Ad hoc or periodic reporting by the contractor may be
required earlier than CD-2 as specified in the contract.
e. Any directed changes to the contractor requirements for monthly reporting must
be added to the contract following an assessment of impacts to contractor
conditions and to the project performance.
(1) For project contracts to be awarded as subcontracts by the contractor, the
contractor shall develop a written acquisition plan, if applicable. The
acquisition plan shall receive the contracting officer’s concurrence.
(2) Technical performance analyses and corrective action plans shall be
reported to DOE for variances to the project baseline objectives resulting
from design reviews, component and system tests and simulations, and to
resolve identified root causes resulting in a performance baseline
deviation.
(a) An Integrated Master Schedule (both resource loaded and with
critical path) must be developed and maintained for the project. As
a minimum, a resource-loaded IMS must contain labor, material,
and equipment costs to include unit prices and quantities. For
firm-fixed-price contracts, the total contract cost must be included
in the integrated master schedule.
DOE O 413.3C Attachment 1
08-05-2026 Page 5
Section 79
(b) Project technical, cost, and schedule risks must be identified,
quantified, and mitigated throughout the life of the project. A risk
management plan (RMP) will be developed to cover processes and
procedures that will be implemented to address risk assessment
(qualitative and quantitative), risk monitoring, risk reporting, and
lessons learned. The contractor’s RMP must receive concurrence
from DOE in accordance with contract requirements.
(c) The approved integrated contractor technical, cost, and schedule
baseline shall be maintained using appropriate change control
processes (e.g., Change Control Board) as defined in the project
execution plan (PEP).
(d) A configuration management process must be established that
controls changes to the physical configuration of project facilities,
structures, systems, and components in compliance with
ANSI/EIA-649, current version, and DOE-STD-1073-2016. This
process must also ensure that the configuration is in agreement
with the performance objectives identified in the technical baseline
and the approved quality assurance plan.
(e) A value management (VM), value engineering (VE) process shall
be used. Annually, contractors shall submit a progress report
identifying VE accomplishments to the Program Offices. Refer to
Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Circular A-131,
48 CFR § 52.248-1, ASTM E1699-10, and 41 U.S.C. § 1711.
(f) A Quality Assurance Program must be developed and implemented
for the contract scope of work in accordance with DOE O 414.1,
current version, Attachment 2 (CRD), as applicable, and
10 CFR § 830, Subpart A. For nuclear-related activities, the
applicable national consensus standard shall be American Society
of Mechanical Engineers Nuclear Quality Assurance
(NQA)-1-2008 (edition) and NQA-1a-2009 (addenda).
(g) An Integrated Safety Management System must be developed and
implemented for the contract scope of work when the contractor is
complying with the requirements of 48 CFR § 970.5223-1,
Integration of Environment, Safety and Health into Work Planning
and Execution.
(h) Contractors performing design for projects shall, at a minimum,
conduct conceptual, preliminary and final design reviews, in
accordance with the PEP. For nuclear projects, the design review
will include a focus on safety and security systems. A code of
record shall be maintained under configuration control
throughout the CD process and for the remainder of the nuclear
facility’s life cycle.
Attachment 1 DOE O 413.3C
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(i) For projects involving construction of new Hazard Category 1, 2,
and 3 nuclear facilities, or include major modifications thereto (as
defined in 10 CFR § 830), the requirements in DOE-STD-1189-
2016 shall be fully implemented. The following documents must
be submitted, as applicable: safety design strategy (CD-1),
conceptual safety design report (CD-1), preliminary safety and
design results (CD-2), preliminary documented safety analysis
(CD-2), and documented safety analysis with technical safety
requirements (CD-4). Documented safety analyses will be updated
to document the changed conditions, as appropriate, in conjunction
with the Office of Environmental Management demolition process.
(j) For non-M&O contracts, the contractor shall develop a project
management plan (PMP) that supports and complements the
federal PEP and its contract. The PMP shall describe the
management methods, organization, control systems and
documentation for the project. The PMP shall receive the
concurrences of the FPD and the DOE contracting officer. If
significant changes occur during the project, the PMP shall be
revised by the contractor at the direction of the contracting officer.
Section 80
(k) Contractors must identify, collect, capture, and enter lessons
learned into the DOE Lessons Learned System of record, as
described in DOE O 210.2, current version. All department
employees and contractors may gain access to the lessons learned
repository.
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ATTACHMENT 2
DEFINITIONS
1. Acquisition Plan. The document that facilitates attainment of the acquisition objectives.
The plan must identify those milestones at which decisions should be made; all the
technical, business, management; and other significant considerations that will control the
acquisition including, but not limited to, market research, competition, contract type,
source selection procedures and socioeconomic considerations.
2. Acquisition Strategy. A high-level business and technical management approach
designed to achieve project objectives within specified resource constraints with
recognition of key project risks and the strategies identified to handle those risks. It is the
framework for planning, organizing, staffing, controlling, and leading a project. It
provides a master schedule for activities essential for project success, and for formulating
functional strategies and plans.
3. Baseline. A quantitative definition of cost, schedule and technical performance that
serves as a base or standard for measurement and control during the performance of an
effort; the established plan against which the status of resources and the effort of the
overall program, field programs, projects, tasks, or subtasks are measured, assessed and
controlled. Once established, baselines are subject to change control discipline.
4. Baseline Change Proposal. A document that provides a complete description of a
proposed change to an approved performance baseline, including the resulting impacts on
the project scope, schedule, design, methods, and cost baselines.
5. Beneficial Occupancy. Stage of construction of a building or facility, before final
completion, at which its user can occupy it for the purpose for which it was constructed.
Beneficial occupancy does not imply that a project has reached Critical Decision (CD)-4.
6. Best Practices. An activity or procedure that has produced outstanding results in another
situation and could be adapted to improve effectiveness and efficiency in a current
situation.
7. Capital Assets. Capital assets are land, structures, equipment, and intellectual property,
which are used by the federal government and have an estimated useful life of 2 years or
more. Capital assets exclude items acquired for resale in the ordinary course of
operations or held for the purpose of physical consumption such as operating materials
and supplies. Capital assets may be acquired in different ways: through purchase,
construction, or manufacture; through a lease-purchase or other capital lease, regardless
of whether title has passed to the federal government; or through exchange. Capital
assets include the environmental remediation of land to make it useful; leasehold
improvements and land rights; assets owned by the federal government but located in a
foreign country or held by others (such as federal contractors, state and local
governments, or colleges and universities); and assets the ownership of which is shared
by the federal government with other entities.
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Section 81
8. Capital Asset Project. A project with defined start and end points required in the
acquisition of capital assets. The project acquisition cost of a capital asset includes both
its purchase price and all other costs incurred to bring it to a form and location suitable
for its intended use. It is independent of funding type. It excludes operating expense
funded activities such as repair, maintenance, or alterations that are part of routine
operations and maintenance functions.
9. CD-0, Approve Mission Need. Approval of CD-0 formally establishes a project and
begins the process of conceptual planning and design used to develop alternative
concepts and functional requirements. Additionally, CD-0 approval allows the Program
to request project engineering and design (PED) funds for use in preliminary design, final
design, and baseline development.
10. CD-1, Approve Alternative Selection and Cost Range. CD-1 approval marks the
completion of the project definition phase and the conceptual design. Approval of CD-1
provides the authorization to begin the project execution phase and allows PED funds to
be used.
11. CD-2, Approve Performance Baseline. CD-2 approval marks the approval of the
performance baseline and requires the completion of preliminary design for all projects.
It also requires the completion of final design for Hazard Category 1, 2, and 3 nuclear
facilities. It is the first major milestone in the project execution phase. Approval of CD-2
authorizes submission of a budget request for the total project cost (TPC).
12. CD-3, Approve Start of Construction. CD-3 provides authorization to complete all
procurement and construction and/or implementation activities and initiate all acceptance
and turnover activities. Approval of CD-3 authorizes the project to commit all the
resources necessary, within the funds provided, to execute the project.
13. CD-4, Approve Start of Operations or Project Completion. CD-4 approval marks the
achievement of the completion criteria (i.e., key performance parameters [KPPs]) defined
in the PEP (or in the program requirements document, for National Nuclear Security
Administration [NNSA] projects), and if applicable, subsequent approval of transition to
operations.
14. Change Control. A process that ensures changes to the approved baseline are properly
identified, reviewed, approved, implemented, and tested and documented.
15. Code of Record. A set of design and operational requirements, including federal and
state laws in effect at the time a facility or item of equipment was designed and accepted
by the Department of Energy (DOE). It is (i) initiated during the conceptual design phase,
placed under configuration control to ensure it is updated to include more detailed design
requirements as they are developed during preliminary design, (ii) controlled during final
design and construction with a process for reviewing and evaluating new and revised
requirements to determine their impact on project safety, cost, and schedule before a
decision is taken to revise the code of record, and (iii) maintained and controlled through
facility decommissioning. The code of record may be defined in contracts, standards or
requirements identification documents (or their equivalent), or project-specific documents
[DOE-STD-1189-2016].
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Section 82
16. Conceptual Design. The conceptual design process requires a mission need as an input.
It is the exploration of concepts, specifications, and designs for meeting the mission
needs, and the development of alternatives that are technically viable, affordable, and
sustainable. The conceptual design provides sufficient detail to produce a more refined
cost estimate range and to evaluate the merits of the project.
17. Confidence Level. The likelihood—expressed as a percentage—that an occurrence will
be realized. The higher the confidence level, the higher the probability of success.
18. Configuration Management. The technical and administrative direction and surveillance
actions taken to identify and document the functional and physical characteristics of a
configuration item, to control changes to a configuration item and its characteristics, and
to record and report change processing and implementation status.
19. Constructability Review. A technical review to determine the extent to which the design
of a structure facilitates ease of construction, subject to the overall requirements for the
completed form.
20. Contingency. The portion of the project budget that is available for risk uncertainty
within the project scope, but outside the scope of the contract. Contingency is budget that
is not placed on the contract and is included in the TPC. Contingency is controlled by
federal personnel as delineated in the PEP.
21. Contractor Requirements Document. The DOE document that identifies the requirements
that the prime contractor’s project management system must satisfy (Attachment 1).
22. Corporate Certification. A corporate certification exists when a contractor adopts one of
their existing certified Earned Value Management System (EVMS) in its entirety for
application under a new contract, regardless of location. The EVMS under the corporate
certification must remain intact in all aspects to that originally certified and will be
validated by an EVMS surveillance.
23. Critical Decision. A formal determination made by the Chief Executive (CE) or Project
Management Executive (PME) at a specific point during the project that allows the project
to proceed to the next phase or CD.
24. Critical Path. Those series of tasks that define the longest durations of the project. Each
task on the critical path is a critical task and must finish on time for the entire project to
finish on time.
25. Deactivation. The process of placing a facility in a stable and known condition, including
the removal of hazardous and radioactive materials to ensure adequate protection of the
worker, public health and safety, and the environment, thereby limiting the long-term
cost of surveillance and maintenance. Actions include the removal of fuel, draining
and/or de-energizing nonessential systems, removal of stored radioactive and hazardous
materials, and related actions. Deactivation does not include all decontamination
necessary for the dismantlement and demolition phase of decommissioning (i.e., removal
of contamination remaining in the fixed structures and equipment after deactivation).
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26. Decommissioning. Takes place after deactivation and includes surveillance and
maintenance, decontamination, and/or dismantlement. These actions are taken at the end
of the life of a facility to retire it from service with adequate regard for the health and
safety of workers and the public and for the protection of the environment. The ultimate
goal of decommissioning is unrestricted release or restricted use of the site.
Section 83
27. Decontamination. The removal or reduction of residual chemical, biological, or
radiological contaminants and hazardous materials by mechanical, chemical or other
techniques to achieve a stated objective or end condition.
28. Demolition. Destruction and removal of physical facilities or systems.
29. Design Authority (for nuclear facilities only). The engineer designated by the PME to be
responsible for establishing the design requirements and ensuring that design output
documentation appropriately and accurately reflect the design basis. The Design
Authority is responsible for design control and ultimate technical adequacy of the design
process. These responsibilities are applicable whether the process is conducted fully in-
house, partially contracted to outside organizations, or fully contracted to outside
organizations. The Design Authority may delegate design work, but not its
responsibilities.
30. Design-Bid-Build. A project delivery method wherein design and construction are
separate contracts.
31. Design-Build. A project delivery method wherein design and construction contracts are
combined. It is important that specific flow-down requirements be specified in requests
for proposals to subcontractors, especially for firm-fixed-price subcontracts, to ensure
implementation of the principles from this Order for effective performance measurement
of the subcontractors’ scope of work.
32. Design Review. A formal and documented management technique used primarily to
conduct a thorough evaluation of a proposed design in order to determine whether or not
the proposed design meets the project requirements set forth by the customer, as well as
to determine whether the proposed design will be fully functional.
33. Deviation. Occurs when the TPC, CD-4 completion date, or performance and scope
parameters, defined by the approved performance baseline (PB) at CD-2, cannot be met.
34. Directed Change. A change caused by some DOE policy directives (such as those that
have force and effect of law and regulation), regulatory, or statutory action and is
initiated by entities external to the Department, to include external funding reductions.
35. Dismantlement. The disassembly or demolition and removal of any structure, system or
component during decommissioning and satisfactory interim or long-term disposal of the
residue from all or portions of a facility.
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36. Disposal. Final placement or destruction of toxic, radioactive, or other waste, surplus or
banned pesticides or other chemicals, polluted soils, and drums containing hazardous
materials from removal actions or accidental releases. Disposal may be accomplished
through use of approved, secure, regulated landfills, surface impoundments, land
farming, deep well injection, or incineration.
37. Disposition. Those activities that follow completion of program missions, including but
not limited to preparation for reuse, surveillance, maintenance, deactivation,
decommissioning, and long-term stewardship. DOE Order (O) 430.1, current version,
provides implementation guidance for requirements specific to the disposition and long-
term stewardship of contaminated, excess facilities.
38. Earned Value. The budgeted value of work actually accomplished in a given time.
Simply defined, earned value represents the value of work accomplished during the
period.
Section 84
39. Earned Value Management. A project performance method that utilizes an integrated set
of performance measurements (e.g., scope, cost, and schedule) to assess and measure
project performance and progress, and estimate cost and schedule impacts at completion.
40. Earned Value Management System. An integrated set of policies, procedures and
practices to objectively track true performance on a project or program. EVMS represents
an integration methodology that is able to provide an early warning of performance
problems while enhancing leadership decisions for successful corrective action.
41. Energy Savings Performance Contracts(ESPC). Allow federal agencies to procure
energy savings and facility improvements with no up-front capital costs or special
appropriations from Congress. An ESPC is a partnership between an agency and an
energy service company. Each such contract may, notwithstanding any other provision
of law, be for a period not to exceed 25 years.
42. Energy Systems Acquisition Advisory Board. Advises the CE on CDs related to major
system projects, site selection, and PB deviation dispositions.
43. Environmental remedial action plan. Summarizes the remedial alternatives presented in
the analysis of the feasibility study and identifies the preferred alternative and the
rationale for selecting the preferred alternative.
44. Equivalencies. Alternatives to how a requirement in a directive is fulfilled in cases where
the “how” is specified. These represent an acceptable alternative approach to achieving
the goal of the directive. Unless specified otherwise in the directive, equivalencies are
granted, in consultation with the Office of Primary Interest (OPI), by the Program
Secretarial Officer or designee or, in the case of the NNSA, by the Administrator or
designee, and documented for the OPI in a memorandum. For those directives listed in
Attachment 1 of DOE O 410.1 (current version), Central Technical Authority (CTA)
concurrences are required prior to the granting of equivalencies.
45. Estimate At Completion. Actual cost of work completed to date plus the predicted costs
and schedule for finishing the remaining work.
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46. Estimate-To-Complete. The value expressed in either dollars or hours developed to
represent the cost of the work required to complete a task.
47. EVMS Certification. The determination that a contractor’s EVMS, on all applicable
projects, is in full compliance with EIA 748, current version, or as required by the
contract, and in accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) Subpart 52.234-
4, Earned Valued Management System.
48. EVMS Surveillance. The process of reviewing a contractor’s certified EVMS, on all
applicable projects, to establish continuing compliance with EIA 748, current version, or
as required by the contract, and in accordance with FAR Subpart 52.234-4. Surveillance
may also verify that EVMS use is properly implemented by the contractor.
49. Exemptions. The release from one or more requirements in a directive. Unless specified
otherwise in the directive, exemptions are granted, in consultation with the OPI, by the
Program Secretarial Officer or their designee, or in the case of the NNSA, by the
Administrator or designee, and documented for the OPI in a memorandum. For those
directives listed in Attachment 1 of DOE O 410.1, current version, CTA concurrences are
required prior to the granting of exemptions.
Section 85
50. External Independent Review. A project review performed by personnel from PM and
augmented by individuals outside DOE, primarily to support validation of either the PB
(CD-2) or construction/execution readiness (CD-3). PM selects an appropriate group of
subject matter experts in a contracted capacity to assist with these reviews.
51. Facilities Information Management System. The Department’s corporate database for
real property. The system provides the Department with an accurate inventory and
management tool that assists with planning and managing all real property assets. See
DOE O 430.1, current version, for additional information.
52. Federal Program Manager. An individual in the Headquarters organizational element
responsible for managing a program and, until designation of the FPD, its assigned
projects. They ensure that all the projects are properly phased and funded over time and
that each project manager is meeting the appropriate key milestones. They are the project
manager’s advocate, ensure proper resourcing and facilitate the execution process. They
predict programmatic risks and put mitigation strategies in place so that projects are not
affected.
53. Federal Project Director. The individual certified under the Department’s Project
Management Career Development Program as responsible and accountable to the PME or
Program Secretarial Officer for project execution. Responsibilities include developing
and maintaining the PEP; managing project resources; establishing and implementing
management systems, including performance measurement systems; and approving and
implementing changes to project baselines.
54. Field/Site Organization. The federal organization at the laboratory, site, or plant
responsible for overseeing contractor operations and carrying out responsibilities in
accordance with delegated authority.
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55. Final Design. Completion of the design effort and production of all the approved design
documentation necessary to permit procurement, construction, testing, checkout, and
turnover to proceed.
56. Funding Profile. A representation of the project funding over the life of the project. It is
part of the PME decision and any decremental change requires PME approval.
57. Hot Commissioning. The processing of a minimal acceptable sample of an actual
material to obtain the desired performance output during the startup and testing phase of a
chemical or nuclear processing facility.
58. Independent. An office or entity that is not under the supervision, direction, or control of
the sponsor responsible for carrying out the project’s development or acquisition.
59. Independent Cost Estimate. A cost estimate, prepared by an organization independent of
the project sponsor, using the same detailed technical and procurement information to
make the project estimate. It is used to validate the project estimate to determine whether
it is accurate and reasonable.
60. Independent Cost Review. An independent evaluation of a project’s cost estimate that
examines its quality and accuracy, with emphasis on specific cost and technical risks. It
involves the analysis of the existing estimate’s approach and assumptions.
61. Independent Government Cost Estimate. The government’s estimate of the resources and
its projected costs that a contractor would incur in the performance of a contract. These
costs include direct costs such as labor, supplies, equipment, or transportation and
indirect costs such as labor and material overhead, as well as general and administrative
expenses, profit, or fee. (Refer to FAR 36.203 and FAR 15.404-1.)
Section 86
62. Independent Project Review. A project management tool that serves to verify the
project’s mission, organization, development, processes, technical requirements,
baselines, progress, and/or readiness to proceed to the next successive phase in DOE’s
Acquisition Management System.
63. Integrated Project Team. A cross-functional group of individuals organized for the
specific purpose of delivering a project to an external or internal customer. It is led by a
Federal Project Director.
64. Integrated Safety Management System. The application of the Integrated Safety
Management System to a project or activity. The fundamental premise of Integrated
Safety Management is that accidents are preventable through early and close attention to
safety, design, and operation, and with substantial stakeholder involvement in teams that
plan and execute the project, based on appropriate standards.
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65. Key Performance Parameters. A vital characteristic, function, requirement, or design
basis that, if changed, would have a major impact on the facility or system performance,
scope, schedule, cost, and/or risk or the ability of an interfacing project to meet its
mission requirements. A parameter may be a performance, design, or interface
requirement. Appropriate parameters are those that express performance in terms of
accuracy, capacity, throughput, quantity, processing rate, purity, reliability, sustainability,
or others that define how well a system, facility, or other project will perform. In
aggregate, KPPs comprise the scope of the project.
66. Lessons Learned. A good work practice or innovative approach that is captured and
shared to promote repeat application or an adverse work practice or experience that is
captured and shared to prevent recurrence. They are the project management related input
and output device that represents the knowledge, information or instructional knowledge
that have been garnered through the process of actually completing the ultimate
performance of the respective project. Lessons learned are valuable because they will
benefit future endeavors and ideally prevent any negative happenings from taking place
in the future.5
67. Life-Cycle Costs. The sum total of all direct, indirect, recurring, nonrecurring, and other
related costs incurred or estimated to be incurred in the planning, design, development,
procurement, production, operations and maintenance, support, recapitalization, and final
disposition of real property over its anticipated lifespan for every aspect of the program,
regardless of funding source.
68. Line Item. A distinct design, construction, betterment, and/or fabrication of real property
for which Congress will be requested to authorize and appropriate specific funds. A full-
scale test asset or other pilot/prototype asset primarily constructed for experimental or
demonstration purposes, but planned to become DOE property and to continue to operate
beyond the experimental or demonstration phase is included in this definition.
69. Long-Lead Procurement. Equipment, services, and/or materials that must be procured
well in advance of the need because of long delivery times. If long-lead procurements are
executed prior to CD-3 approval for the project, this will be designated as CD-3A and
require a stand-alone decision by the PME, outside of the CD process.
Section 87
70. Major Item of Equipment. Capital equipment with a cost that exceeds $2 million. In
most cases, capital equipment is installed with no construction cost. However, in cases
where the equipment requires provision of supporting construction such as foundations,
utilities, structural modifications, and/or additions to a building, the associated
construction activities must be acquired through a line-item construction project or a
minor construction project if the cost is below the minor construction threshold stated in
10 U.S.C. § 6271.
5 DOE O 210.2, DOE Corporate Operating Experience Program (current version),
https://www.directives.doe.gov/directives-documents/200-series/0210.2-BOrder-a
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71. Major System Project. A project with a TPC of greater than or equal to $1 billion or as
designated by the Deputy Secretary.
72. Management Reserve. An amount of the total contract budget withheld for management
control purposes by the contractor. Management reserve is not part of the performance
measurement baseline.
73. Milestone. Any significant or substantive point, time or event of the project. Milestones
typically refer to points at which large schedule events or a series of events have been
completed, and a new phase or phases are set to begin.
74. Mission Need Statement. The primary document supporting the PME’s decision to
initiate exploration of options to fulfill a capability gap including but not limited to
acquisition of a new capital asset.
75. Minor Construction Project. Miscellaneous minor construction project, of a general
nature, for which the total estimated cost may not exceed the minor construction
threshold stated in 10 U.S.C. 6271. These projects, sometimes called general plant
projects (GPPs), are necessary to adapt facilities to new or improved production
techniques, to effect economies of operations, and to reduce or eliminate health, fire and
security problems. These projects provide for design, construction, additions, and/or
improvements to land, buildings; replacements or additions to roads; and general area
improvements. (Refer to 10 U.S.C. § 6273.)
76. Mitigation. Technique to eliminate or lessen the likelihood and/or consequence of a risk.
77. Non-Major System. Any project with a TPC less than $1 billion.
78. Operational Readiness Review (ORR). A disciplined, systematic, documented,
performance-based examination of facilities, equipment, personnel, procedures and
management control systems to ensure that a facility can be operated safely within its
approved safety envelope as defined by the facility safety basis plan. The ORR provides
the basis for the Department to direct startup or restart of the facility, activity or
operation.
79. Other Project Costs (OPCs). All other costs related to a project that are not included in
the total estimated cost (TEC). OPCs will include, but are not limited to research and
development, conceptual design and conceptual design report, startup and commissioning
costs, National Environmental Policy Act documentation, project data sheet preparation,
siting, and permitting requirements.
80. Performance Baseline. The collective key performance, scope, cost, and schedule
parameters, which are defined for all projects at CD-2. The PB includes the entire project
budget (TPC including fee and contingency) and represents DOE’s commitment to
Congress.
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Section 88
81. Performance Measurement Baseline. The baseline cost that encompasses all contractor
project work packages and planning packages, derived from summing all the costs from
the work breakdown structure. Undistributed management reserve, contingency, profit,
fee, and DOE direct costs are not part of the PMB. The PMB is the benchmark used
within EVMSs to monitor project (and contract) execution performance.
82. Preliminary Design. This is the design that is prepared following CD-1 approval.
Preliminary design initiates the process of converting concepts to a design appropriate for
procurement or construction. All KPPs and project scope are sufficiently defined to
prepare a budget estimate. This stage of the design is complete when it provides
sufficient information to support development of the PB.
83. Program. An organized set of activities directed toward a common purpose or goal
undertaken or proposed in support of an assigned mission area. It is characterized by a
strategy for accomplishing a definite objective that identifies the means of
accomplishment, particularly in qualitative terms, with respect to work force, material,
and facility requirements. Programs are typically made up of technology-based activities,
projects and supporting operations.
84. Program Management. A group of closely related projects managed in a coordinated way.
85. Project. A unique effort having defined start and end points undertaken to create a
product, facility, or system. Built on interdependent activities planned to meet a common
objective, a project focuses on attaining or completing a deliverable within a
predetermined cost, schedule, and technical scope baseline. Projects include planning
and execution of construction, assembly, renovation, modification, environmental
restoration, decontamination and decommissioning, large capital equipment, and
technology development activities. A project is not constrained to any specific element
of the budget structure (e.g., operating expenses).
86. Project Assessment and Reporting System. A reporting process to connect field project
status with Headquarters to report and compare budgeted or scheduled project forecasts.
87. Project Closeout. Occurs after CD-4, Project Completion, and involves activities such as
performing financial and administrative closeout, developing project closeout and lessons
learned reports, and other activities as appropriate for the project.
88. Project Data Sheet. A document that contains summary project data and the justification
required to include the entire project effort as a part of the Departmental budget.
89. Project Definition Rating Index. This is a project management tool which is used for
assessing how well the project scope is defined. The tool uses a numeric assessment
which rates a wide range of project elements to determine how well the project is defined.
90. Project Engineering and Design. Design funds established for use on preliminary design.
Typically, PED funds are used for preliminary and final design and related activities for
design-bid-build strategies, and for preliminary design and related costs in design-build
strategies. It is also analogous with a project phase that includes preliminary and final
design and baseline development.
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Section 89
91. Project Execution Plan. DOE’s core document for management of a project. It
establishes the policies and procedures to be followed in order to manage and control
project planning, initiation, definition, execution, and transition/closeout, and uses the
outcomes and outputs from all project planning processes, integrating them into a
formally approved document. A PEP includes an accurate reflection of how the project is
to be accomplished, resource requirements, technical considerations, risk management,
configuration management, and roles and responsibilities.
92. Project Management. Those services provided to DOE on a specific project, beginning at
the start of design and continuing through the completion of construction, for planning,
organizing, directing, controlling and reporting on the status of the project.
93. Project Management Plan. The contractor-prepared document that sets forth the plans,
organization, and systems that the contractor will utilize to manage the project. Its
content and the extent of detail of the PMP will vary in accordance with the size and type
of project and state of project execution.
94. Project Management Support Office. An office established exclusively to oversee and
manage the activities associated with projects.
95. Project Peer Reviews. Periodic review of a project performed by peers (with similar
experience to project personnel), independent from the project, to evaluate technical,
managerial, cost and scope, and other aspects of the project, as appropriate. These
reviews are typically led by the PMSO.
96. Quality Assurance. All those actions performed by the DOE prime contractor during the
project that provide confidence that quality is achieved. It is executed through a
formalized Quality Assurance Program.
97. Quality Control. Those actions related to the physical characteristics of a material,
structure, component, or system that provide a means to control the quality of the
material, structure, component, or system to predetermined requirements.
98. Readiness Assessment. An assessment to determine a facility’s readiness to startup or
restart when an ORR is not required or when a contractor’s standard procedures for
startup are not judged by the contractor or DOE management to provide an adequate
verification of readiness.
99. Resource-Loaded Schedule. Schedules with resources of staff, facilities, cost, equipment
and materials that are needed to complete the activities required.
100. Risk. Factor, element, constraint, or course of action that introduces an uncertainty of
outcome, either positively or negatively that could impact project objectives.
101. Risk Assessment. Identification and analysis of project and program risks to ensure an
understanding of each risk in terms of probability and consequences.
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102. Risk Management. The handling of risks through specific methods and techniques.
Effective risk management is an essential element of every project. The DOE risk
management concept is based on the principles that risk management must be analytical,
forward-looking, structured, informative, and continuous. Risk assessments should be
performed as early as possible in the project and should identify critical technical,
performance, schedule, and cost risks. Once risks are identified, sound risk mitigation
strategies and actions should be developed and documented.
Section 90
103. Risk Management Plan. Documents how the risk processes will be carried out during the
project.
104. Rough- Order of Magnitude (ROM) Estimate. An estimate based on high-level
objectives, provides a high-level view of the project deliverables, and has lots of wiggle
room. Most ROM estimates have a range of variance from -25% all the way to +75%.
105. Safeguards and Security. An integrated system of activities, systems, programs, facilities
and policies for the protection of classified information and/or classified matter,
unclassified control information, nuclear materials, nuclear weapons, nuclear weapon
components, and/or the Department’s and its contractors’ facilities, property and
equipment.
106. Tailoring. An element of the acquisition process appropriate considering the risk,
complexity, visibility, cost, safety, security, and schedule of the project. Tailoring does
not imply the omission of essential elements in the acquisition process or other processes
that are appropriate to a specific project’s requirements or conditions.
107. Technical Independent Project Review. An independent project review conducted at or
near the completion of preliminary design, and is required prior to CD-2 approval for
Hazard Category 1, 2, and 3 nuclear facilities. At a minimum, the focus of this review is
to determine that the safety documentation is sufficiently conservative and bounding to
be relied upon for the next phase of the project.
108. Technology Maturation Plan (TMP). A TMP details the steps necessary for developing
technologies that are less mature than desired to the point where they are ready for project
insertion.
109. Technology Readiness Assessment. An assessment of how far technology development
has proceeded. It provides a snapshot in time of the maturity of technologies and their
readiness for insertion into the project design and execution schedule.
110. Technology Readiness Level. A metric used for describing technology maturity. It is a
measure used by many U.S. Government agencies to assess maturity of evolving
technologies (materials, components, devices, etc.) prior to incorporating that technology
into a system or subsystem.
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111. Total Estimated Cost. All engineering design costs (after conceptual design), facility
construction costs and other costs specifically related to those construction efforts. TEC
will include, but is not limited to project, design, and construction management; contract
modifications (to include equitable adjustments) resulting in changes to these costs;
design; construction; contingency; contractor support directly related to design and
construction; and equipment rental and refurbishment.
112. Total Project Cost. All costs between CD-0 and CD-4 specific to a project incurred
through the startup of a facility, but prior to the operation of the facility. Thus, TPC
includes TEC plus OPC.
113. Value Engineering. A structured technique commonly used in project management to
optimize the overall value of the project. Often, creative strategies will be employed in an
attempt to achieve the lowest life-cycle cost available for the project. The value
engineering effort is a planned, detailed review/evaluation of a project to identify
alternative approaches to providing the needed assets.
Section 91
114. Value Management. An organized effort directed at analyzing the functions of systems,
equipment, facilities, services, and supplies for achieving the essential functions at the
lowest life-cycle cost that is consistent with required performance, quality, reliability, and
safety. VM encompasses VE.
115. Variance. A measurable change from a known standard or baseline. It is the difference
between what is expected and what is actually accomplished. A variance is a deviation or
departure from the approved scope, cost, or schedule performance. Variances must be
tracked and reported. They should not be eliminated, but mitigated through corrective
actions. Baseline changes, if needed, are submitted for changes in technical scope,
funding or directed changes.
116. Work Breakdown Structure. Used by the project management team to organize and
define a project into manageable objectives and create a blueprint by which the steps
leading to the completion of a project are obtained. It is an outline of the project that
becomes more detailed under the subheadings or work packages.
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ATTACHMENT 3
ACRONYMS
ALARA As low as reasonably achievable
ANSI American National Standards Institute
AoA Analysis of Alternatives
AP Acquisition plan
AS Acquisition strategy
ASME American Society of Mechanical Engineers
BCP Baseline change proposal
BOD Beneficial occupancy date
CCB Change Control Board
CD Critical decision
CDN Chief of Nuclear Safety
CDNS Chief of Defense Nuclear Safety
CDR Conceptual design report
CE Chief Executive for Project Management
CERCLA Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act
CFO Office of the Chief Financial Officer
CFR Code of Federal Regulations
CMS Corrective measures study
CNS Chief of Nuclear Safety
CPARS Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System
CRD Contractor Requirements Document
CSDR Conceptual safety design report
CTA Central Technical Authority
DBT Design-basis threat
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DEAR Department of Energy Acquisition Regulation
DoD U.S. Department of Defense
DOE U.S. Department of Energy
EA Environmental assessment
EAC Estimate at completion
EIA Electronic Institute of America
EIR External independent review
EIS Environmental impact statement
EM (DOE) Office of Environmental Management
EO Executive Order
ESAAB Energy Systems Acquisition Advisory Board
ESPC Energy savings performance contracts
EVM Earned value management
EVMS Earned Value Management System
FAR Federal Acquisition Regulation
FDO Fee Determining Official
FPD Federal Project Director
FIMS Facility Information Management System
FR Federal Register
FY Fiscal year
G Guide
GAO U.S. Government Accountability Office
GPP General plant project
HPC High-performance computing
ICE Independent cost estimate
ICR Independent cost review
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08-05-2026 Page 3
IGCE Independent government cost estimate
IMP Integrated master plan
IMS Integrated master schedule
IPA Intergovernmental Personnel Act
IPMD Integrated Program Management Division
IPMR Integrated program management report
IPR Independent project review
IPT Integrated Project Team
ISMS Integrated Safety Management System
KPP Key performance parameter
LCB Life-cycle baseline
LOE Level of effort
M Manual
MIE Major items of equipment
MNS Mission need statement
MR Management reserve
M&O Management and operating
Section 92
NDIA National Defense Industrial Association
NEPA National Environmental Policy Act
NNSA National Nuclear Security Administration
NRC U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission
NQA Nuclear Quality Assurance
O Order
OBS Organizational breakdown structure
ODC Other direct costs
OE Operating expense
Attachment 3 DOE O 413.3C
Page 4 08-05-2026
OMB Office of Management and Budget
OPC Other project costs
OPI Office of Primary Interest
ORR Operational readiness review
P Policy
PA Preliminary assessment
PARS Project Assessment and Reporting System
PASEG Planning and Scheduling Excellence Guide
PB Performance Baseline
PDRI Project Definition Rating Index
PDS Project Data Sheet
PDSA Preliminary Documented Safety Analysis
PED Project Engineering and Design
PEP Project Execution Plan
PHAR Preliminary Hazard Analysis Report
P.L. Public Law
PM Office of Project Management
PMB Performance measurement baseline
PMBOK Project management body of knowledge
PMCDP Project Management Career Development Program
PME Project Management Executive
PMRC Project Management Risk Committee
PMSO Project Management Support Office
PPEP Preliminary project execution plan
PPR Project peer review
PSO Program Secretarial Officer
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PMP Project management plan
QA Quality assurance
QAP Quality Assurance Program
QPR Quarterly project review
RA Readiness assessment
RCRA Resource Conservation and Recovery Act
RFI RCRA facility investigation
RMP Risk management plan
ROD Record of decision
ROM Rough-order-of-magnitude
SBAA Safety Basis Approval Authority
SDS Safety design strategy
SER Safety evaluation report
SI Site inspection
SPE Senior Procurement Executive
SRE Streamlined risk evaluation
STD Standard
TEC Total estimated cost
TIPR Technical Independent Project Review
TPC Total project cost
TMP Technology maturation plan
TRA Technology readiness assessment
TRL Technology Readiness Level
UFGS Unified Facilities Guide Specification
Attachment 3 DOE O 413.3C
Page 6 08-05-2026
U.S.C. United States Code
VE Value engineering
VM Value management
WBS Work breakdown structure
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ATTACHMENT 4
REFERENCES
1. 10 CFR § 830, Nuclear Safety Management.
2. 10 CFR § 830, Subpart A, Quality Assurance Requirements.
3. 10 CFR § 830, Subpart B, Safety Basis Requirements.
4. 10 CFR § 830.206, Preliminary Documented Safety Analysis.
5. 10 CFR § 830.207, DOE Approval of Safety Basis.
6. 10 CFR § 851, Worker Safety and Health Program, Appendix A, Section 1(d).
7. 10 CFR § 1021, National Environmental Policy Act Implementing Procedures.
8. 2 CFR § 910, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit
Requirements for Federal Awards.
9. 29 CFR § 1910.119, Process Safety Management of Highly Hazardous Chemicals.
10. 29 CFR § 1910.120, Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response.
11. 40 CFR § 68, Chemical Accident Prevention Provisions.
12. 41 U.S.C. § 1711, Value Engineering.
13. 48 CFR § 52.248-1, Value Engineering.
14. 48 CFR § 970.5204-2, Laws, Regulations, and DOE Directives.
15. 48 CFR § 970.5223-1, Integration of Environment, Safety and Health into Work Planning
and Execution.
16. 10 U.S.C. § 6102, Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program.
17. 10 U.S.C. § 6271, Definitions.
18. 10 U.S.C. § 6273, Minor Construction Projects.
19. 10 U.S.C. § 6275, Limits on Construction Projects.
20. 10 U.S.C. § 6277, Conceptual and Construction Design.
Section 93
21. 10 U.S.C. § 6284, Notification of Cost Overruns for Certain Department of
Energy Projects.
22. 10 U.S.C. § 6285, Life-Cycle Cost Estimates of Certain Atomic Energy Defense
Capital Assets.
Attachment 4 DOE O 413.3C
Page 2 08-05-2026
23. ANSI/EIA‑649, “National Consensus Standard for Configuration Management,”
current version.
24. American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) Nuclear Quality Assurance
(NQA)-1-2008 (edition) and NQA-1a-2009 (addenda), “Quality Assurance Requirements
for Nuclear Facility Applications.”
25. ASTM E1699-10, “Standard Practice for Performing Value Analysis of Buildings and
Building Systems and Other Constructed Projects.”
26. EIA-748, “Earned Value Management Systems,” current version.
27. Department of Energy Acquisition Guide,
https://www.energy.gov/management/articles/department-energy-acquisition-guide.
28. Department of Energy (DOE) Acquisition Regulation (DEAR), Subpart 915-4, “Contract
Pricing.”
29. DOE G 413.3-1, Managing Design and Construction Using Systems Engineering,
current version.
30. DOE G 413.3-2, Quality Assurance Guide for Project Management, current version.
31. DOE G 413.3-3, Safeguards and Security for Program and Project Management,
current version.
32. DOE G 413.3-4, Technology Readiness Assessment Guide, current version.
33. DOE G 413.3-5, Performance Baseline Guide, current version.
34. DOE G 413.3-6, High Performance Sustainable Building, current version.
35. DOE G 413.3-7, Risk Management Guide, current version.
36. DOE G 413.3-9, Project Review Guide for Capital Asset Projects, current version.
37. DOE G 413.3-10, Integrated Project Management using Earned Value Management
System (EVMS), current version.
38. DOE G 413.3-12, Project Definition Rating Index Guide for Traditional Nuclear and
Non-Nuclear Construction Projects, current version.
39. DOE G 413.3-13, Acquisition Strategy Guide for Capital Asset Projects, current version.
40. DOE G 413.3-15, Project Execution Plans, current version.
41. DOE G 413.3-16, Project Completion/Closeout Guide, current version.
42. DOE G 413.3-17, Mission Need Statement Guide, current version.
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43. DOE G 413.3-18, Integrated Project Team Guide for Formation and Implementation,
current version.
44. DOE G 413.3-19, Staffing Guide for Project Management, current version.
45. DOE G 413.3-20, Change Control Management Guide, current version.
46. DOE G 413.3-21, Cost Estimating Guide, current version.
47. DOE G 430.1-7, Alternative Financing Guide, current version.
48. DOE G 450.4-1, Integrated Safety Management System Guide, current version.
49. DOE O 130.1, Budget Planning, Formulation, Execution and Departmental Performance
Management, current version.
50. DOE O 200.1, Information Technology Management, current version.
51. DOE O 210.2, DOE Corporate Operating Experience Program, current version.
52. DOE O 251.1, Departmental Directives Program, current version.
53. DOE O 361.1, Acquisition Career Management Program, current version.
54. DOE O 410.1, Central Technical Authority Responsibilities Regarding Nuclear Safety
Requirements, current version.
55. DOE O 414.1, Quality Assurance, current version.
56. DOE O 415.1, Information Technology Project Management, current version.
57. DOE O 420.1, Facility Safety, current version.
58. DOE O 420.2, Safety of Accelerator Facilities, current version.
59. DOE O 425.1, Verification of Readiness to Start Up or Restart Nuclear Facilities, current
version.
Section 94
60. DOE O 430.1, Real Property Asset Management, current version.
61. DOE O 436.1, Departmental Sustainability, current version.
62. DOE O 450.2, Integrated Safety Management, current version.
63. DOE O 470.3, Design Basis Threat (DBT) Order, current version.
64. DOE O 470.4, Safeguards and Security Program, current version.
65. DOE P 450.4, Integrated Safety Management Policy, current version.
66. DOE P 451.1, National Environmental Policy Act Compliance Program, current version.
Attachment 4 DOE O 413.3C
Page 4 08-05-2026
67. DOE P 470.1, Safeguards and Security Program, current version.
68. DOE-STD-1073-2016, Configuration Management, December 2016.
69. DOE-STD-1104-2016, Review and Approval of Nuclear Facility Safety Basis and Safety
Design Basis Documents, December 2016.
70. DOE-STD-1189-2016, Integration of Safety into the Design Process, December 2016.
71. DOE Work Breakdown Structure Handbook, current version.
72. DOE Financial Management Handbook, current version.
73. Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), Part 7, Subpart 7.1, “Acquisition Plans.”
74. FAR, Part 15, Subpart 15.4, “Contract Pricing.”
75. FAR, Part 15, Subpart 15.404-1, “Proposal Analysis Techniques.”
76. FAR, Part 15, Subpart 15.406-1, “Pre-negotiation Objectives.”
77. FAR, Part 17, Subpart 17.6, “Management and Operating Contracts.”
78. FAR, Part 34, Subpart 34.004, “Acquisition Strategy,” and Subpart 34.2, “Earned Value
Management System.”
79. FAR, Part 36, Subpart 36.203, “Government Estimate of Construction Costs.”
80. FAR, Part 42, Subpart 42.15, “Contractor Performance Information.”
81. FAR, Part 52, Subpart 52.232-5, “Payments Under Fixed-Price Construction Contracts.”
82. FAR, Part 52, Subpart 52.234-2 through 52.234-4, “Earned Value Management System.”
83. GAO-16-22, “Amphibious Combat Vehicle: Some Acquisition Activities Demonstrate
Best Practices; Attainment of Amphibious Capability to be Determined,” October 28,
2015.
84. GAO-20-195G, GAO Cost Estimating and Assessment Guide: Best Practices for
Developing and Managing Capital Program Costs, March 12, 2020.
85. GAO-16-89G, GAO Schedule Assessment Guide, December 2015.
86. House Report 109-86, “Energy and Water Development Appropriations Bill, 2006.”
87. National Defense Industrial Association (NDIA), “Integrated Program Management
Division (IPMD), Earned Value Management Systems: EIA-748 Intent Guide,” current
version.
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88. NDIA, Integrated Program Management Division (IPMD), “Planning & Scheduling
Excellence Guide (PASEG),” current version.
89. NDIA, IPMD, “Surveillance Guide,” current version.
90. OMB Circular A-11, “Preparation, Submission, and Execution of the Budget,” August 15,
2022; and Supplement to A-11, “Capital Programming Guide.”
91. OMB Circular A-123, “Management’s Responsibility for Enterprise Risk Management
and Internal Control,” dated July 15, 2016.
92. OMB Circular A-131, “Value Engineering,” dated December 26, 2013.
93. Public Law (P.L.) 104-106, Section 4306, National Defense Authorization Act.
94. P.L. 106-65, Section 3212(d), National Nuclear Security Administration Act.
95. EO 12344, “Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program.”
96. EO 12931, “Federal Procurement Reform.”