Enterprise Performance Life Cycle (EPLC) Framework [HHS]

This document provides an overview of the Enterprise Performance Life Cycle (EPLC) framework developed by the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) . This document identifies the ten phases of the EPLC and describes the associated responsibilities, activities, exit criteria, deliverables and reviews associated with each phase.

A key to successful IT management is a solid project management methodology that incorporates best government and commercial practices through a consistent and repeatable process, and provides a standard structure for planning, managing and overseeing IT projects over their entire life cycle. The HHS Enterprise Performance Life Cycle (EPLC) framework provides that methodology for HHS.

The EPLC framework consists of ten life cycle phases. Within each phase, activities, responsibilities, reviews, and deliverables are defined. Exit criteria are established for each phase and Stage Gate reviews are conducted through the IT governance process to ensure that the project’s management quality, soundness, and technical feasibility remain adequate and the project is ready to move forward to the next phase. The EPLC framework provides a guide to Project Managers, Business Owners, IT Governance Executives, other Stakeholders, and Critical Partners throughout the life of the project.

The EPLC framework is designed to provide the flexibility needed to adequately manage risk while allowing for differences in project size, complexity, scope, duration, etc. Examples of flexibility include the ability (with IT governance approval) to tailor the framework where particular phases or deliverables may not apply, to aggregate phases and deliverables when appropriate, to provide for conditional stage gate approvals that allow progress to a subsequent phase in a manner that identifies and controls for risk. The EPLC framework also accommodates iterative development methodologies.

Implementation of the EPLC framework will allow HHS to improve the quality of project planning and execution, reducing overall project risk. Reducing risk, in turn, increases HHS’ ability to move IT projects that best meet business needs into the production environment more quickly and with established cost constraints. The framework also provides an effective vehicle for adopting and propagating best practices in IT management. Finally, the framework provides a solid foundation for Project Manager training and certification and more effective IT capital planning.

The EPLC framework implementation is likely to shift more time and resources to the planning phases for projects and require additional resources from Project Managers, Business Owners, and IT governance participants for review and approval activities. This increased investment in planning and oversight is expected to be more than offset by reduced resources spent in duplicative efforts and rework of avoidable errors.

Industry and government experience demonstrates that the quality of IT investments is directly proportional to the quality of the management processes used to acquire and operate the IT products those investments produce. Implementing the EPLC framework will help ensure the quality of HHS IT products through improved project management processes.

The EPLC Framework provides immense value to CIOs and IT leaders as they grapple with increasingly complex IT management scenarios in today's digitally transformed world.

1. Solid Project Management Methodology: This document outlines a comprehensive project management methodology. It integrates best practices from government and commercial sectors, offering a repeatable, consistent process for managing IT projects throughout their life cycle. By adopting the EPLC framework, CIOs can effectively standardize and streamline their project management procedures, ensuring consistent quality and reducing potential errors or oversights.
2. Structured Phases with Defined Responsibilities: The EPLC framework comprises ten life cycle phases, each detailing specific activities, responsibilities, deliverables, and exit criteria. This granular detailing can assist IT leaders in accurately allocating resources, assigning tasks, tracking progress, and ensuring all stakeholders are clear on their roles and responsibilities.
3. Enhanced Risk Management: The EPLC framework's design provides flexibility in managing risk while accommodating differences in project size, complexity, scope, and duration. CIOs can implement a more dynamic, robust risk management strategy by tailoring the framework to specific project needs and conditions.
4. Improved Quality of IT Investments: The document reiterates that the quality of IT investments is directly proportional to the quality of the management processes. By using the EPLC framework, CIOs can enhance the quality of their IT investments, leading to improved project outcomes and higher ROI.
5. Efficient Resource Allocation: Implementing the EPLC framework may initially shift more resources to planning phases and review activities. However, this up-front investment is likely to result in significant resource savings in the long run, by minimizing duplicative efforts and reducing the need for substantial corrections or rework.

By leveraging the EPLC Framework, IT leaders and CIOs can enhance their project management practices, optimize resource allocation, and improve overall project outcomes, driving their organizations' success in the digital landscape.