Project Management in the Public Buildings Service

Purpose

This Order establishes policy governing the use of project management principles, as well as the assignment of project managers to Public Buildings Service (PBS) Projects. 

Background

Facility, space and other/non-space projects require significant investment of GSA resources, and represent long-term commitments to our partner agencies. To a large extent, they also embody the vision and values of the Federal Government in local communities. Excellence in project management ensures that these projects best serve the long-term interests of Government, GSA customers, local stakeholders, and American taxpayers overall.

Applicability

This Order applies to all PBS offices, particularly PBS project management business lines. Project and program managers must use this document as a foundational framework, seeking additional guidance from subject matter experts, sponsors, peers, and supervisors due to current PBS workforce transition and realignment. The Order is supplemented by various guides and documents found in Appendix A. It should be noted that existing processes, documents, and guidelines are subject to rapid modification as PBS adapts to its current state and reorganization. 

Projects fall into three general categories (facilities; space; other/non-space projects) which are defined in more detail in the Project Intake Guide. Specific project management requirements will be employed on all facilities and space projects, and they will be scaled according to scope, estimated construction cost, and level of risk. Facilities and space projects include all directly funded new construction and repairs and alterations, consolidations, all lease projects, Reimbursable Work Authorizations (RWAs), and all building purchase projects that involve alterations and/or tenant build-out.

While this Order addresses project management of facilities and space projects, its guiding principles are also applicable to project management of other/non-space projects. These projects are to be managed in accordance with the PBS global project management principles described in the documents listed in Appendix A, References and Citations as applicable.

Cancellation

GSA Order PBS 3425.12B, dated April 20, 2016, is cancelled.

Summary of Changes

This Order is revised to reflect administrative and organizational changes, modernizing the language, updating terminology, and ensuring all document and tool hyperlinks are current.

Roles and Responsibilities

1. Implementing this policy is a shared responsibility, involving the Office of Program and Project Management (OPPM), Office of Facilities Management (OFM), as well as other PBS business lines. All PBS business lines will carry out their necessary responsibilities in support of applicable projects, in accordance with agreements and commitments as recorded in an individual PMP and Project Charter.
2. The OPPM in collaboration with all PBS business lines, leads this Order. All PBS business lines must support applicable projects, as defined in the Project Charter and Project Management Plan, by providing a project leader and representatives of all PBS stakeholders for the project team.