EVM Certification

Comprehensive Guide to EVMS Training 

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Section 1: Understanding the Basics of EVMS 

Earned Value Management Systems are a critical component in the project management landscape. At its core, an Earned Value Management System (EVMS) offers a systematic approach to integrating scope, schedule, and cost. Implementing an EVMS enables project managers to measure project performance and progress in an objective manner that increases management visibility and control.

Key Principles and Terminology 

To grasp the fundamentals of Earned Value Management, one must become familiar with its primary principles and associated terminology. Some of these key terms include Planned Value (PV), Earned Value (EV), and Actual Cost (AC), which form the basis for evaluating project performance and predicting future outcomes. Understanding these concepts is essential for anyone seeking to implement an EVMS. 

The Role of EVM in Project Management 

Effective project management hinges on the ability to forecast potential issues and measure ongoing performance against the project plan. An EVMS provides a structured framework for this purpose, allowing managers to identify variances in cost and schedule before they become critical. By integrating scope, schedule, and cost, an EVMS serves as a compass for project managers, guiding them through the complexities of project execution. 

The Benefits of Implementing an EVMS 

Implementing an EVMS reaps several benefits, including enhanced visibility into the health of a project and the ability to make data-driven decisions. An EVMS enables stakeholders to objectively assess project performance against the baseline, ensure alignment with strategic objectives, and encourage accountability among team members. Moreover, with an EVMS in place, organizations are better equipped to meet contractual requirements, especially for government contracts which oftentimes mandate the use of such systems. 

By grasping the basic principles of EVM and the role it plays in project management, professionals can start their journey toward effective project control and successfully implementing an EVMS. With a comprehensive understanding of the basics, they can build a solid foundation for further exploration of the practices and principles that will lead to mastery of Earned Value Management. 

Section 2: Steps to Obtain a Professional EVM Certification 

Eligibility Criteria for a Professional EVM Certification 

Before embarking on the journey to obtain a Professional EVM Certification, it is important to clarify the prerequisites. Typically, these may include a certain level of experience in project management, understanding basic accounting principles, and familiarity with the EIA-748 Standard for EVMS Guidelines. Professionals who wish to get a professional certification should review the specific eligibility requirements as dictated by the certifying body to ensure they qualify to undergo the certification process. 

Detailed Step-by-Step Guide to the Professional Certification Process

  • Research and Select a Certifying Organization: Begin by identifying an organization that offers an EVM Certification. 
  • Undergo Formal EVM Training: Enroll in and complete a formal training program that covers the core components of Earned Value Management. This step is pivotal, as it lays the groundwork for the practical application and understanding of EVM. Humphreys & Associates provides online EVM Training for employees of contractors that do business with the DOD, DOE, NASA, and other U.S. government agencies such as the FAA. 
  • Study the Standards and Guidelines: Gain a comprehensive understanding of industry standards, such as the EIA-748 Guidelines. Knowledge of these standards is fundamental, as they will inform the set-up and management of an EVMS. 
  • Prepare for the Examination: Most certifications will require passing an exam to demonstrate your proficiency. This will involve rigorous study and attending review courses to prepare. 
  • Apply for the Certification Exam: Submit your application along with any necessary documentation and fees to the chosen certifying body. Ensure all prerequisites have been met before applying. 
  • Take the Certification Exam: Schedule and sit for the certification exam. This will typically cover a range of topics, from the basic principles of EVM to more advanced concepts. 
  • Receive Certification: Upon successful completion of the exam, you will receive your EVM Certification, which endorses your knowledge and understanding of EVM. 

Essential Documentation and Preparation Tips 

To ensure a smooth certification process, maintain an organized file of all coursework, training certificates, and professional references. Consider using study guides, practice exams, and other preparatory materials to fully equip yourself for the certification exam. 

How to Maintain and Renew EVM Certification 

An EVM Certification is not a one-time event but requires ongoing professional development to maintain. Stay abreast of any Continuing Education Units (CEUs) or Professional Development Units (PDUs) required to keep your certification active. Engage with the community of practice, attend EVMS workshops, and continue learning to stay current in Earned Value Management best practices.   

Section 3: EVM Consulting and Expert Guidance 

The Need for Expert Consultancy in the Professional EVM Certification Process 

As professionals navigate the path towards EVM certification, expert consultancy can play a pivotal role. These consultants have extensive experience with EVM principles and the process for implementing an EIA-748 compliant EVMS. They can offer personalized guidance, which is often critical to ensuring a smooth and successful journey to compliance with EIA-748 Standard for EVMS. 

How to Choose the Right EVM Consultant 

When selecting an EVM consultant, consider the following criteria to ensure you make an informed decision: 

  • Experience and Credentials: Look for consultants with a proven record of accomplishment in EVMS implementations and a robust portfolio of successful client engagements. Certified consultants, particularly those with additional qualifications in project management, bring a wealth of knowledge. 
  • Industry Reputation: Investigate the consultant’s standing within the industry through testimonials, case studies, and peer recommendations. A reputable consultant will have positive feedback and be recognized as an authority in the field. 
  • Approach to Training and Consulting: Evaluate the consultant’s methodology. The right consultant should offer a tailored approach, adapting their expertise to your organization’s specific needs and challenges. 
  • Compatibility with Organizational Culture: Ensure the consultant’s style and communication align with your organization’s culture. A collaborative and adaptable consultant can integrate more seamlessly into your team. 
  • Maintenance and Support: It is not just about successfully completing a Cognizant Federal Agency (CFA) EVMS Compliance Review, it is also about sustaining the EVMS and how project personnel implement it on their project. Check whether the consultant offers support and guidance to ensure ongoing compliance and effectiveness. 

The Role of Consultants in Ensuring Compliance and Efficient System Implementation 

An EVM consultant’s role extends beyond just advice on CFA compliance reviews—it involves hands-on assistance in setting up an EVMS that complies with industry standards, training staff to understand and use the system effectively, and preparing the organization for the rigorous CFA compliance review process. Furthermore, consultants can help identify any gaps in current practices and tailor the EVMS to best fit the organization’s unique environment. 

By providing insights into best practices, drawing from a wide range of experiences with different clients, and offering objective assessments of current systems, consultants can ensure that an organization’s EVMS is both compliant and optimized for performance. 

Earned Value Consulting provides valuable expertise that can streamline the CFA compliance process, facilitate the successful adoption of EVM, and ensure long-term compliance. By leveraging the knowledge and experience of a seasoned EVM consultant, organizations can overcome obstacles more efficiently and optimize their project management practices for greater success. Thus, engaging the right consultant is a strategic investment that can lead to significant dividends in project execution and management. 

Section 4: EVM Training Course List 

To enhance your skills in this area, H&A offers a comprehensive list of EVM Training Courses tailored to meet the needs of various stakeholders, from project managers to government contractors. Whether you’re preparing for a customer Integrated Baseline Review (IBR), seeking to improve your EVM proficiency, or aiming to pass professional certification exams, these courses offer valuable insights and practical experience. Delivered in an online format, these courses provide the flexibility to learn at your own pace while ensuring a deep understanding of EVM principles and their application in real-world scenarios. 

CAM Discussion: The CAM Discussion serves as an essential component of the preparation process for a customer Integrated Baseline Review (IBR), compliance review, or surveillance review. This simulation offers a practical experience of a CAM documentation review and interview session, illustrating how a proficient CAM conducts an interview with a government customer. Additionally, it provides a useful recap emphasizing key technical points along with suggestions for follow-up action items. 

CAM Essentials_DOD: CAM Essentials provides comprehensive training to improve EVM proficiency and understanding of the basics. This online training bundle features the EVMS Virtual Learning Lab (DOD), Scheduling Virtual Learning Lab, and CAM Discussion courses, all available separately. 

CAM Essentials_DOE: CAM Essentials offers comprehensive tools for improving EVM skills and understanding the fundamentals. This online training bundle includes the EVMS Virtual Learning Lab (DOE), Scheduling Virtual Learning Lab, and CAM Discussion courses, each available separately. 

CAM Essentials_NASA: CAM Essentials provides comprehensive training to improve EVM proficiency and understanding of the basics. The online training bundle includes the EVMS Virtual Learning Lab (NASA), Scheduling Virtual Learning Lab, and CAM Discussion courses, which are also available individually. 

CPR/IPMR/CFSR Completion and Reconciliation: The Integrated Program Management Report (IPMR) and Contract Funds Status Report (CFSR) are crucial communication tools between contractors and their customers. This online course provides valuable insights into the proper completion of these reports and their reconciliation. 

EVMS Certification and Preparation Quiz: This online course comprises 120 questions in four separate quizzes, covering the nine EVMS process groups, the Integrated Program Manager Report (IPMR), earned value data analysis, Integrated Baseline Review (IBR), and compliance reviews. It serves as an excellent study and preparation resource for the AACE International Earned Value Professional (EVP) or the PMI Project Management Professional (PMP) certification exams. 

EVMS DOD Virtual Learning Lab: The EVMS Virtual Learning Lab offers a comprehensive 21-hour instruction program. This online training delivers Humphreys & Associates’ acclaimed three-day EVMS workshop in an interactive, multimedia format. The video content includes all workshop coursework, quizzes, and case studies, allowing students to assess their understanding and receive prompt feedback through scored quizzes and exams. 

EVMS DOE Virtual Learning Lab: The EVMS Virtual Learning Lab offers a comprehensive 21-hour online training program. This interactive multimedia format is based on Humphreys & Associates’ acclaimed three-day EVMS workshop, delivering all course content, quizzes, and case studies in a video format. Students can assess their understanding through scored quizzes and exams. 

The course can be used for project personnel to enhance their EVM proficiency or for someone who wants to learn the basics of earned value management at their own pace.  

EVMS NASA Virtual Learning Lab: An intensive 21-hour online training program that offers a complete presentation of Humphreys & Associates’ three-day EVMS workshop. The course has been adapted into an interactive multimedia format, including all quizzes and case studies from the original workshop. Students can test their knowledge and receive immediate feedback through scored quizzes and exams. 

The course can be used for project personnel to enhance their EVM proficiency or for someone who wants to learn the basics of earned value management at their own pace.  

IBR – Online Video: The Integrated Baseline Review (IBR) course is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the IBR process. It is a fast-paced presentation that is essential for ensuring a clear grasp of the technical requirements of a project and establishing accurate schedule and cost goals. This course offers a detailed explanation of the review process and can be tailored to provide training for specific needs and timings. The approximate duration of the course is 2 hours. 

OTB/OTS Implementation – Online Video: Learn about Over Target Baseline (OTB) and Over Target Schedule (OTS) Implementations in this approximately 1 hour and 30-minute video. 

A formal re-programming action, known as an OTB and/or an OTS, may occur during risky major acquisitions. Understanding the rationale for and the various methods used to implement an OTB/OTS, as well as correctly completing the IPMR formats in accordance with the Data Item Description (DID) instructions, is not a simple process. Our video provides clarity on this complex process. 

The video includes completed IPMR Formats 1, 2, and 3, showcasing four OTB methods, along with before and after Baseline graphs for each method. It also contains examples and Baseline graphs for Over Target Schedule, Format 3. 

Scheduling Virtual Learning Lab: The Scheduling Virtual Learning Lab offers an intensive 21 hours of instruction covering critical path fundamentals, schedule baseline, float, network logic development, risk assessment, changes, and scheduling in an EVMS environment. The content is based on the well-regarded three-day Project Scheduling Workshop by Humphreys & Associates, adapted to a video format and featuring quizzes and case studies for immediate knowledge testing and feedback. 

The course is designed for project personnel looking to enhance their project scheduling skills and for individuals who want to learn the fundamentals of project scheduling at their own pace. 

A student who completes the Scheduling course will earn 21 Professional Development Units (PDUs) or 2.1 Continuing Education Units (CEUs). 

Evaluating the Effectiveness of Your EVM Training 

To ensure that the EVM training investment yields the expected results, it is important to monitor and evaluate its effectiveness. This can be done through various means, such as feedback surveys, performance assessments, and observing improvements in project management practices post-training. Metrics like increased efficiency, reduced project variances, and improved forecasting accuracy can indicate the success of the training program. 

Additionally, incorporating a continuous improvement process for training—where feedback is used to refine and enhance the training offerings—can help ensure that the organization continues to improve on your EVMS over time. 

Properly tailored EVM training programs are not the only key to successful professional certifications and EVMS implementation—they empower organizations to achieve strategic objectives and enhance overall project management proficiency. With the right training program, professionals and teams can develop the expertise needed to leverage EVM capabilities fully, leading to improved project outcomes and sustained success. 

The journey through the complexities of building an Earned Value Management System (EVMS) underscores its pivotal role in effective project management. By committing to understanding the basic principles of an EVMS and striving for formal certification, professionals elevate their ability to forecast, monitor, and steer complex projects toward success. 

EVM training equips project teams with the tools and strategies necessary to implement and manage robust project control systems. This, in turn, fosters informed decision-making, enhanced accountability, and improved alignment between project objectives and outcomes. Professional certification recognizes proficiency that benefits the individual and the organization by establishing credibility and assurance in project management capabilities. 

Having traversed this guide, the next steps involve consolidating your newfound knowledge and venturing into tailored training programs that suit your or your organization’s specific requirements. From here, it is essential to consistently apply, adapt, and refine the skills gained through training to real-world scenarios. 

Encourage yourself and your peers to persist in your journey towards EVM mastery. Continued learning, networking with other EVM professionals, and staying abreast of evolving practices will ensure that your expertise remains current and beneficial. May this guide serve as both a foundation and steppingstone on your path to excelling in the discipline of Earned Value Management. 

For information on Corporate or Quantity Discount pricing, please contact us at products@humphreys-assoc.com or call us at (714) 685-1730. 

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Navigating EVMS Certification: A Step-by-Step Guide to Compliance

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Navigating EVMS Certification

In the complex landscape of project management, ensuring compliance with the EIA-748 Standard for Earned Value Management Systems (EVMS) Guidelines is a critical step for companies seeking to secure and successfully manage government contracts. Humphreys & Associates are leaders in earned value consulting, providing comprehensive strategies and solutions tailored to meet the rigorous requirements of the EVMS approval or certification process by a Cognizant Federal Agency (CFA). This article is the first part of a three-part series aimed at guiding organizations through the process of implementing a compliant EVMS and successfully completing a CFA EVMS compliance review.

Understanding the EVMS Approval or Certification Process

Achieving EVMS approval or certification by a CFA such as the Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA) or the Department of Energy (DOE) is a structured process that requires careful planning and execution. The process begins with a thorough understanding of the EIA-748 Standard for EVMS Guidelines, which is the foundation for determining whether an EVMS is compliant. The EIA-748 Guidelines define the requirements to establish and maintain an effective EVMS. The approval or certification process involves several key steps, beginning with the initial application and concluding with the CFA formal determination a contractor’s EVMS complies with the Guidelines. Throughout this journey, organizations must demonstrate a thorough understanding of the Guideline requirements and how they are implemented within their project management framework as documented in their EVM System Description.

Steps to Achieve EVMS Certification

  1. Preparation and Self-Assessment: Conducting an internal review of the current project management processes and comparing them against the EIA-748 Standard for EVMS Guideline requirements is an important first step to identify gaps in the system that will need to be addressed.
  2. Training and Education: It is crucial for the team responsible for EVMS implementation to receive proper training to understand the Guideline requirements and how to apply them.
  3. System Description Development: A comprehensive EVM System Description that explains how the organization’s processes meet the EIA-748 Guideline requirements must be developed.
  4. Implementation: The EVMS must be implemented on a project, demonstrating the project team’s ability to use the EVMS and EVM data to manage the project, as well as the system’s functionality in a real-world scenario.
  5. Mock Compliance Review: An internal review, often with the help of an independent third party, should be conducted to verify the EVMS complies with the Guideline requirements as well as to verify the quality of the project’s schedule and cost data to provide timely and actionable information for managing the project.
  6. Formal Compliance Review: A CFA conducts a formal review of the EVMS. This includes reviewing the EVM System Description, performing a detailed examination of project schedule and cost data, conducting interviews with project personnel, and assessing how the EVMS has been implemented.

Importance of Complying with the EIA-748 Guidelines

Meeting the EIA-748 Guideline requirements is not just about compliance; it is about integrating a system that enhances the project management capabilities of an organization. A well-implemented EVMS facilitates better project control, provides early warning signs of performance issues, and supports informed decision-making. Compliance with the Guidelines is often a prerequisite for bidding on government contracts, making a formal EVMS approval or certification a strategic necessity for companies in the defense, aerospace, and construction industries, among others.

Key Requirements for an EIA-748 Compliant EVMS

The EIA-748 Standard for EVMS provides the basic guideline requirements for organizations to establish and implement a system that integrates project work scope with the schedule and cost components to enhance project planning and control. The Guidelines are organized into these process areas:

  • Organization: The organization guidelines focus on establishing the framework for decomposing a project’s scope of work to level where it is possible to identify management responsibility for the work scope, schedule, and cost components.
  • Planning, Scheduling, and Budgeting: The organization guidelines are the framework for the planning, scheduling, and budgeting process required to establish the performance measurement baseline, a common point of reference for measuring completed work and communicating the project’s current status.
  • Accounting Considerations: These guidelines focus on the recurring processes for determining progress and collecting the actual costs for work performed. The objective is to ensure alignment between the budget plan, performance claimed (earned value), and actual costs to continually assess and analyze project performance for potential corrective action.
  • Analysis and Management Reports: These guidelines facilitate the analysis and use of the performance data to proactively manage the project. An EVMS generates variance data that helps management to focus on areas that are not performing to plan for potential corrective action.
  • Revisions and Data Maintenance: The integrity of the performance measurement baseline must be maintained to manage the remaining work on a project. These guidelines focus on establishing a controlled process to document, authorize, track, and manage revisions to a project’s scope, schedule, and budget.

Frequency and Importance of Surveillance Reviews

Surveillance reviews are an important part of maintaining a compliant EVMS. Once the CFA has approved or certified a contractor’s EVMS, the contractor is responsible for implementing an annual self-surveillance or self-governance process to ensure the EVMS continues to be implemented on projects in an effective and consistent manner in compliance with the EIA-748 Guidelines. It also ensures the contractor’s EVMS process and procedures, training, and tools are actively maintained over time. The government customer also conducts surveillance for the life a contract, typically on an annual basis. This is a recurring evaluation of the contractor’s management control practices and samples of internal and external reported data. The focus is typically on major system activities, problem identification, and tracking any corrective actions to closure.

The successful implementation of an EVMS that complies with the EIA-748 Guideline requirements is a testament to an organization’s commitment to project excellence. It demonstrates a capability many government agencies require, making it an essential investment for businesses looking to expand their opportunities within this sector. The subsequent articles in this series will delve into the specifics of the EVMS implementation process and the intricacies of preparing for EVMS compliance and surveillance reviews.

Stay tuned to learn more about effective EVMS implementation for government contracts in our next blog, “Effective EVMS Implementation for Government Contracts: Roles and Challenges,” and how to prepare for surveillance or compliance reviews in “Preparing for EVMS Reviews: Strategies for Success with Humphreys & Associates.”

This article has provided an overview of the EVMS approval or certification process by a CFA and the importance of complying with EIA-748 Standard for EVMS Guidelines. 

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Life After EVMS Certification – Surveillance

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Your company has just spent a year or more pursuing the EVM System Certification, going through the formal Compliance Review by the DCMA, and clearing the Corrective Action Requests identified during that review.  Finally, the company has received that coveted System Certification notification from the DCMA!  So, now the company is finally through with that process, right? 

Well… not exactly!

Now comes the really hard part – living up to that certification throughout the life of the contract(s). 

Can you lose DCMA System Certification?

All too often contractors, who have suffered through many months of trying to get their EVM Systems accepted by the government, have tended to let their guard down once certification is attained, letting their implementation of EVMS fall into disrepair.  Doing so can only end badly: poor or late data submittals, cost and/ or schedule surprises (overruns/ missed delivery dates, etc.), and generally unhappy customers.  When the customer is not happy, nobody is happy!  Failure to correct this situation on the company’s part could ultimately result in what is known as a Review For Cause conducted by the DCMA to determine if the company’s EVM Certification should be withdrawn.  Losing the EVMS Certification not only means the contractor can no longer claim in proposals that they have a certified EVMS, it can also cause a company several unwanted contractual, monetary, and reputation impacts – and the recertification process itself is no picnic either.

EVMS Business Practices

To help avoid the above unpleasant consequences, part of the DCMA’s EVMS review series includes ongoing Surveillance of a contractor’s EVM System, starting immediately after it has been certified.  The DCMA has a series of EVMS related Business Practices (BP) [updated May 2020]

  • BP0 – Earned Value Management Systems-Overall guidance on DCMA EVMS assessments
    • BP1 – Pre-Award EVM System Plan Review -of contractor proposal for EVM compliance
    • BP2 – System Description Review –of contractors EVM System and related documents
    • BP3 – Program Support – DCMA’s general EVMS-related support (IBRs, data review, etc.)
    • BP4 – System Surveillance – post-EVMS ongoing review of continued EVMS compliance
    • BP5 – Review for Cause – to assess if an EVMS acceptance is to be withdrawn
    • BP6 – Compliance Review Execution – how a Compliance Review will be run

The focus of this article is BP4 – System Surveillance, but do note that there is also BP5 on conducting a Review For Cause (RFC) discussed briefly above.

The stated purpose of BP4 is that it: “Defines the process to evaluate contractor EVMS compliance through continuing surveillance.” 

Yes, this means it is a compliance review after a contractor has gone through their Compliance Review! The basic intent of this process is to keep some pressure on the contractor to make sure EVMS implementation remains high quality throughout the life of the contract.

Drive the Car

Using our building-a-car analogy from Part 1 of this series: we have designed and built our car and trained our people how to drive, so it is now time to DRIVE OUR CAR. If we do not maintain all the car’s systems properly we are likely to encounter a lot of warning indicator lights (poor performance). If we ignore those indicators, the car is likely to fail on us. If the car blows up, we may have to go through the whole car building process again.

The DCMA does not want a contractor’s EVM System to fall into disrepair either.  The Review For Cause (RFC) and overall recertification process is unpleasant for the DCMA, too. This is also why, unlike in the past, the EVMS Center team players for Surveillance reviews are pretty much the same ones who participated in the formal Compliance Review:

  • Director, EVMS Center
  • Group Lead, EVMS Center
  • Team Lead, EVMS Center
  • Team Member, EVMS Center

There will likely be fewer Team Members than were on the full Compliance Review team, but as you can see, the Leaders will be the same. The DCMA has been placed in charge of all surveillance activities, and Government Program if team members may be needed to augment the DCMA Team.

The Compliance Review (CR) process [BP6] consisted of 5 phases:

  1. Plan
  2. Execute Pre-Event activities
  3. Execute – CR Onsite Activities
  4. Report
  5. Closing Actions

The Surveillance Review process [BP4], however, is comprised of only 3 phases:

  1. Plan
  2. Conduct
  3. Report

The Surveillance Process is primarily conducted off-site, although some on-site interviews could be required if follow-up action is required because potential non-compliances exist as a result of the data analysis.  Typically, on-site actions would be interviews of CAMs or other contractor personnel.

Plan phase:

  • Identify Requirements:  The EVMS Center Team Member works with the contractor’s EVMS point of contact to establish or update an Annual EVMS Surveillance Plan (SP).  They will jointly identify the contracts with EVMS requirements that may be subject to the surveillance activities, which may include existing contracts, new contracts, modifications to existing contracts, or even subcontracts with EVMS requirements.
  • Risk Assessment: The EVMS Center Team Member will use a Risk Assessment Worksheet to “identify a population of representative contracts” against which the DCMA can test all aspects of the system.
  • Create/ Update the Surveillance Plan (SP):  Before the start of each Fiscal Year, the EVMS Center Team Member will create or update the Surveillance Plan to document the surveillance activities using all the candidate contracts for the upcoming Fiscal Year.  The Plan is to ensure the complete evaluation of all 32 Guidelines for the site’s EVMS over a 3-year cycle to support the site re-certification.  This evaluation includes data analysis and the DCMA EVMS Compliance Metrics (DECM) for the particular Guidelines identified in the plan for each surveillance event.  This means that over the 3-year cycle 10 or 11 Guidelines must be evaluated each year in order to cover the 32 Guidelines.  This Surveillance Plan must be reviewed and approved by the EVMS Center Group Lead.

Conduct Phase:

  • Data Call:  At least 45 days prior to each surveillance event, data will be required based on the specific Guidelines being covered in that particular event.  This will typically be a subset of the Data Call required for the Compliance Review.
  • Execute Data Analysis:  Using data provided in the Data Call, the Team Member will use the tests identified in the DECM for the Guidelines being reviewed in each surveillance event.  The contractor should be running these metric checks as part of their own self-evaluation, and the EVMS Center Team Member can use those results in addition to running independent calculations on those metrics.  This is often done if Joint Surveillance is used by the DCMA, but the DCMA Team Member must still perform independent assessments and document results of those checks.
  • Evaluate Results:  Identify potential compliance issues resulting from data analysis metric tests.
  • Follow-up:  Discuss issue with the contractor, get more data samples to test further, conduct interviews of contractor personnel, as needed.  Convey data analysis concerns to the contractor before the surveillance event.
  • Closeout:  To close out the action, one of these will take place:
  • Accept as the correct execution of the contractor system
  • Highlight as a risk for future surveillance
  • Issue a Corrective Action Request (CARs)

The EVMS Center Team Member provides an out brief at the end of the surveillance event.

Report Phase:

  • Document results:  summarize/ provide the following:
  • A report with an Executive Summary
  • Results from all metrics evaluated
  • Follow-up actions taken on metric results
  • Summary of CARs issued/ observations made
  • Summary of contractor internal CARs/ findings
  • Summary of reasons for a Risk Assessment/ Surveillance Plan update (if applicable)
  • Identified risks for evaluation at future surveillance events
  • CAR/ Corrective Action Plan (CAP) status for the site

The EVMS Center Team Member identifies any significant deficiencies to the Team Lead, and then (as necessary) to the Group Lead and the Director for concurrence and processing.  A letter will be issued to the Contracting Officer (CO) notifying them of the completion of the 3-year EVMS compliance assessment, current system status, and any outstanding Corrective Action Requests (CARs) or Corrective Action Plans (CAPs).  The EVMS Center Team Member enters the approved plans/ reports to the Integrated Workflow Management System (IWMS) and for subsequent distribution to appropriate offices and the contractor (as required).

Compliance Review Support

As you can see, this seems almost as involved as getting ready for a full-up Compliance Review.  This is probably by design, since the DCMA wants to emphasize the importance of maintaining the EVM System in a compliant state for the life of the contract.  As a contractor, it is equally important to you because if your system application falls apart and you lose your EVMS certification (via BP5), the recertification process (BP6) starts all over again.

Humphreys & Associates has people ready to help you wade through the government requirements for EVMS certification, whether you are new to EVMS, or you are an experienced contractor needing help getting ready for a Compliance Review, System Surveillance, or even a Review For Cause.  We also have a wide range of training courses for beginners in EVMS or advanced courses for experienced Earned Value professionals.  We can also prepare your company for Surveillance, an IBR, an RFC, or even a full blown Compliance Review. Contact us today at (714) 685-1730 or e-mail us.

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Project Controls/ Analyst Certification

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Project Controls Analyst Certification

Project Controls/Analyst Certification

This efficient and intensive certification program is designed for experienced earned value specialists looking to:

  • Distinguish themselves from their peers as a professional, certified Project Controls/Analyst.
  • Become a more valued asset to their current or future project and project management team in analyzing project control problems or challenges and determining appropriate actions to resolve them.

Effective and Comprehensive

Humphreys & Associates effective and comprehensive certification program is intended to further develop existing basic EVM skills into proficient and insightful analytical skills in various areas of project controls. It includes wide-ranging advanced EVM and project analysis coursework and concludes with a comprehensive exam requiring participants to demonstrate both analytic and technical Earned Value Management Systems proficiency.

Individuals that complete the Humphreys & Associates Project Controls/Analyst Certification program will have solid evidence of their ability to provide valuable analytical support to a project team in EVM as well as other critical areas of project management in an EVM environment. They will also satisfy job requirements as professionals in Project Controls/Analysis in the most challenging of project control environments.

Coursework

The coursework spans the guideline process areas in the EIA-748 Standard for Earned Value Management Systems which includes:

  • Organization
  • Planning, Scheduling, and Budgeting
  • Accounting Considerations
  • Analysis and Management Reports
  • Revisions and Data Maintenance

Expanding on these guideline requirements challenge individuals to understand, recognize, and analyze typical problems to be able to recommend possible solutions to management.

Important elements of the course include discussions of:

  • Establishing the initial technical scope, schedule, and cost structures for a project.
  • Risk and opportunity management analysis.
  • Performance, variance, estimate at completion (EAC), and estimated completion date (ECD) analysis.
  • Assessing the quality of the schedule and cost data.
  • Incorporating various types of scope, schedule, and budget baseline changes.
  • Common issues with customer reporting and how to resolve them.
  • Assessing compliance with EVM requirements.

The course stresses data integrity and traceability, highlighting Earned Value Management best practices to provide insights and to illustrate current methods and approaches. This results in improved project controls analysis and leads to better overall management and informed decision-making.

Included Course Materials

Humphreys & Associates Project Controls/ Analyst Certification uses extensive case studies and exercises that bring the EVM concepts to life and help to refine analytic expertise. Each participant will receive:

  • A binder with all course materials
  • The H&A Project Management Using Earned Value textbook
  • The pocket-sized H&A Guide to Project Management Using Earned Value

Benefits for Certified Project Controls/Analysts

H&A issues an education certificate as evidence of completing a course. We also issue a certification as evidence of passing an examination for meeting industry standards. We offer a custom “certified” polo shirt to each individual that successfully passes the exam with a 70% grade or higher honoring their accomplishment. Certified Project Controls/Analysts will also receive our newsletters and blogs about the latest changes to EVM regulations primarily for DoD, DOE, and NASA to help them keep up to date on EVM requirements and industry best practices.

Contact us today to learn more about Humphreys & Associates Project Controls/ Analyst Certification program at (714) 685-1730.

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