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Independent Programmatic Assessment Overview

Independent Assessment is a project management tool used to supply unbiased information on program or project progress to key decision makers as a means of enhancing the probability of success. At NASA, the independent assessment process includes analysis of schedule, cost, and technical risk at major project milestones. For years, the agency relied on the Independent Program Assessment Office (IPAO) to conduct its assessments. That changed in 2015, when NASA updated the independent assessment function by disseminating it from a central office to the four mission directorates. In doing so, the agency entrusted responsibility for the process to those most invested in the success of NASA programs and projects, with the goal of further ensuring the likelihood of mission success.

NASA’s Office of the Chief Financial Officer (OCFO) is responsible for the functional oversight of the independent programmatic assessments, including maintaining the Standard Operating Procedure Instruction (SOPI) guidance document for Standing Review Board (SRB) Independent Programmatic Assessment processes.

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