Did you know that at any given time, there are typically more than 80 active IT projects, with an average of 60 new projects initiated each year? If you are considering starting an IT project, the IT Project Management Office (PMO) at the Ministry of SaskBuilds and Procurement is available to assist you.
The PMO plays a crucial role in delivering IT projects, ensuring they are completed on time, within budget and achieving their objectives. This involves carefully identifying the project's scope, goals, timelines and resource allocation, creating a strong foundation for successful execution.
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Application process
If you have a business problem that requires an IT solution, your first step is to either submit an IT Service Request or consult with your Account Executive. When submitting an IT Service Request, make sure to provide a detailed description of the issue that needs an IT solution. If your business problem could benefit from an enterprise solution, you might be directed to apply through the IT Governance process.
IT projects are managed by the PMO. This should not be confused with the Portfolio Management Office, which handles enterprise IT solutions as part of the IT Governance process.
The PMO is involved in all IT projects, regardless of size or whether they go through the IT Governance proposal process. The PMO manages the planning, monitoring, and control of all project aspects, ensuring objectives are met on time, within budget, and to the specified quality standards.
In contrast, the Portfolio Management Office (PfMO) coordinates strategic processes and collaborates with ministries on IT proposals that qualify for the IT Governance Proposal.
The IT Division (ITD) will work diligently to assess your project, but please allow for a two-month window from initial planning to project deliverables.
Billing
IT projects operate on a cost-recovery basis, meaning that charges commence from the initial stages. Billing begins when a Project Manager or Business Analyst becomes involved. Your contact during the application process will inform you when a stage incurs a billable expense.
Project lifecycle
Projects have five phases: concept, initiation, planning, execution and closing phase.
Each phase builds on the previous and outlines the action involved.
- Concept Phase – This phase is initiated and managed by the clients. The Ministry of SaskBuilds and Procurement acts in an advisory role assisting clients with the submission of their project proposals. The outcome of this phase is a project initiation document that will launch the Initiation Phase.
- Initiation Phase - In this phase, you begin your project by submitting an IT Service Request or consulting with your Strategic Portfolio Manager. Initial planning is conducted, including high-level scope and requirements gathering. All parties collaborate to review the project and develop a more detailed scope and estimate. A project manager is engaged at the start of this phase and will manage the initiative until its completion. This phase concludes with the creation of a Project Charter.
- Planning Phase - During this phase, the necessary resources for planning are engaged. Solution options are developed, and a recommended solution forms the basis of the project plan. Approval of this Project Plan serves as an agreement between the Project Sponsors and the Ministry of SaskBuilds and Procurement to execute the project.
- Execution Phase – During this phase, the project is actively carried out, and detailed plans are executed. The Project Acceptance Letter, once approved by the Project Sponsor, grants permission to proceed to the Closing Phase.
- Closing Phase - During this phase, the project concludes, and the initiative transitions to the Operations Team, who provide approval to close the project.
For detailed descriptions of each phase of the process, please contact the IT Project Management Office for the SBP Client Guide at itdprojectmanagementoffice@gov.sk.ca.