Notice: applying this to your agency.
The IT Project Resources are not meant to replace your agency’s internal project management practices or prescribe how you must operate. Instead, they offer concepts and tools that can strengthen delivery by providing a scalable framework for project level coordination. All project documentation should be maintained throughout each stage in alignment with agency policies and, where applicable, WaTech requirements and oversight expectations.
The IT Project Resources framework provides a structured, scalable framework for managing agency‑led modernization (business and technology) projects from initiation through closeout. It supports consistent governance, disciplined lifecycle execution, and alignment with WaTech oversight protocols across all project types and sizes. Except where required by legislation or WaTech policy, use of this guide and its tools is voluntary.
The IT Project Framework emphasizes best practices and encourages agencies to apply end‑user and customer‑centric design principles at every stage, grounding decisions in real user needs, engaging customers early, considering the Washingtonians served, and shaping solutions that work in real‑world contexts. Whether a project is standalone or part of an enterprise effort, this approach helps project managers tailor delivery to their agency’s needs while improving usability, adoption, and outcomes.
Presenters
Dana McLean
Candice Leonard
Add the webinar series to your calendar
You have two options, depending on your version of Outlook:
- Old Outlook process: Click here to add the 16-week series to your calendar.
- New Outlook process: Create your own placeholder in your calendar for the weeks you choose to join.
Microsoft Teams meeting (Wednesday 10:05 - 10:55, schedule below)
Join: https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/24718290247848?p=BguvKC5fLrM5YmkJSo
Meeting ID: 247 182 902 478 48
Passcode: Pz75ux28
Week 1: IT Project Resources Overview
Wednesday April 1st, 2026, 10:05 a.m. – 10:55 a.m. PST
This session focuses on overview of the Enterprise IT Project Resource Framework is new WaTech standardized, end‑to‑end model for planning, delivering, and sustaining modernization initiatives that focus on technology and business solutions. It brings clarity, predictability, and accountability to modernization by giving every agency a common roadmap, one that embeds human‑centered design, customer focus, and enterprise standards from the very beginning.
Week 2: Stage 0 - Concept & Intake Development
Wednesday April 8th, 2026, 10:05 a.m. – 10:55 a.m. PST
Stage 0 clarifies the problem or opportunity, assesses agency readiness, and determines whether the initiative should move forward. This is where we begin to understand customer needs and the outcomes we want to improve.
Week 3: Stage 1 – Planning & Scoping
Wednesday April 15th, 2026, 10:05 a.m. – 10:55 a.m. PST
Stage 1 defines the scope, objectives, governance, and early planning needed to begin structured requirements work. Customer insights and early research help shape the direction of the project.
Week 4: Summary Recap of Stages Overview-2 and Retrospective
Wednesday April 22nd 2026, 10:05 a.m. – 10:55 a.m. PST
This is a time to reflect on the stages 0-2 and any key takeaway lessons learned or items you would like the Project Management Partners (PMPs) to put on the backlog to incorporate into the future edits of the framework.
Week 5: Stage 2 – Requirements & Design
Wednesday April 29th 2026, 10:05 a.m. – 10:55 a.m. PST
Stage 2 develops a detailed project plan, confirms resources, and establishes success measures and readiness for design. Teams plan how they will engage customers and gather feedback throughout the effort.
Week 6: Stage 3 – Technical Preparation & Environmental Setup
Wednesday May 6th 2026, 10:05 a.m. – 10:55 a.m. PST
Stage 3 is where we turn validated requirements into a real, test‑ready solution. At this point in the lifecycle, we translate business needs into detailed design, architecture, and integration expectations. Human‑centered design continues to guide the work, we test ideas early, iterate often, and make sure the design reflects real user needs. This stage also establishes the technical foundation for everything that comes next.
Week 7: Stage 4 – Pre-Implementation Planning & Readiness
Wednesday May 13th, 2026, 10:05 a.m. – 10:55 a.m. PST
Stage 4 configures, develops, and integrates the solution, updates technical documentation, and prepares for structured testing. Customer insights continue to inform decisions about usability and workflow.
Week 8: Summary Recap of Stages 2-4 and Retrospective
Wednesday May 20th 2026, 10:05 a.m. – 10:55 a.m. PST
This is a time to reflect on the stages 2-4 and any key takeaway lessons learned or items you would like the Project Management Partners (PMPs) to put on the backlog to incorporate into the future edits of the framework.
Week 9: Foundational Implementation Pre-Work & Training
Wednesday May 27th, 2026, 10:05 a.m. – 10:55 a.m. PST
Stage 5 finalizes data mapping, interface development, and conversion routines to ensure data quality and system connectivity. This stage ensures that customer information is accurate, secure, and ready for use in the new system.
Week 10: Stage 6 - Workflow & Initial Configuration
Wednesday June 3rd 2026, 10:05 a.m. – 10:55 a.m. PST
Stage 6 validates that the solution works as intended through functional, end‑to‑end, and user acceptance testing. Customer representatives may participate to ensure the system supports real‑world behaviors.
Week 11: Stage 7 - Readiness, Content Review & Testing
Wednesday June 10th 2026,10:05 a.m. – 10:55 a.m. PST
Stage 7 confirms the solution is stable, validated, and ready for deployment. For customer‑facing initiatives, this includes validating real‑world customer workflows and ensuring training and support materials are clear, accessible, and aligned with customer needs.
Week 12: Summary Recap of Stages 5-7 and Retrospective
Wednesday June 17th 2026, 10:05 a.m. – 10:55 a.m. PST
This is a time to reflect on the stages 5-7 and any key takeaway lessons learned or items you would like the Project Management Partners (PMPs) to put on the backlog to incorporate into the future edits of the framework.
Week 13: Stage 8 - End-User Training & Go-Live
Wednesday June 24th 2026, 10:05 a.m. – 10:55 a.m. PST
Stage 8 coordinates launch activities, trains users, validates environments, and activates support structures. For external customers, this stage ensures communications and self‑service tools are easy to understand and support a smooth experience.
Week 14: Stage 9 - Post-Go-Live Support & Operation
Wednesday July 8th 2026, 10:05 a.m. – 10:55 a.m. PST
Stage 9 transitions the solution into long‑term operations. Teams monitor performance, resolve post‑launch issues, complete contract and system closeout, and capture lessons learned - including insights from customer feedback.
Week 15: Summary Recap Stages 8-9 and Retrospect
Wednesday July 15th 2026, 10:05 a.m. – 10:55 a.m. PST
This is a time to reflect on the stages 8-9 and any key takeaway lessons learned or items you would like the Project Management Partners (PMPs) to put on the backlog to incorporate into the future edits of the framework.
Week 16: Recap All Stages And Final Retrospective
Wednesday July 22nd 2026, 10:05 a.m. – 10:55 a.m. PST
This is the final session overviewing all stages in an open question and answer session. This is a time to reflect on the stages and any key takeaway lessons learned or items you would like the Project Management Partners (PMPs) to put on the backlog to incorporate into the future edits of the framework. Thank you for reviewing the Stage 0–9 Lifecycle Framework. If you have questions or need support, please reach out to the WaTech Project Management Partners team or your WaTech Oversight Consultant.