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.
Welcome to the Project Management Information Framework: Stages 0–9
This framework is intended to serve as a guide to support agency project delivery. It does not replace existing state agency processes, protocols or governance structures. Agencies retain full authority over their delivery approach and should use this framework to supplement and strengthen their practices where it is beneficial to ensure successful delivery.
Figure 1: Compilation of Guidelines, Standards, Policies, and Procedures
This guide provides a structured, scalable framework for managing agency-led technology projects from initiation through closeout. It is designed to support consistent governance, disciplined lifecycle execution, and alignment with WaTech oversight protocols across all project types and sizes. Except as provided for within legislative requirements or WaTech policies, use of this guide and associated documentation is recommended and is voluntary for agencies to use.
Whether your project is standalone or part of a broader enterprise initiative, this guide helps project managers apply best practices while tailoring execution to their agency’s unique needs.
The framework emphasizes best practices and expects 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.
Policy and legislative alignment
Agencies have the responsibility to read and ensure they are aligned within their program development with the following:
- WaTech policies and standards, including PM-01-04-S and PM-03, which define gated funding requirements, deliverable expectations and oversight protocols.
- Washington’s Legislative Section 701 of ESSB 5167 (as passed), which mandates Agile delivery practices for state technology projects, emphasizing iterative development, impacted group engagement, and adaptive planning.
- Agency-specific policies and standards include internal frameworks that complement statewide guidance and help reduce delivery risk through tailored practices and controls.
- WaTech policies that will require time and consideration, such as Security Design Review and Administrative and Financial System Investment Approval | WaTech.
Microlearning format: Stages 0–9:
The guide is organized into 10 modular stages, each representing recommended tasks to consider in the project lifecycle. These stages are designed to be flexible and adaptive, allowing agencies to:
- Progress sequentially through the lifecycle or in an agile approach.
- Determining which tasks fit best their program or project.
- Navigate stages based on project needs and delivery approach.
- Apply best practices at their own pace and maturity level.
Whether initiating a new project or optimizing an existing one, this framework provides the structure, clarity, and flexibility needed to deliver successful outcomes on your project.
Managing deliverables
It is best practice that all project deliverables be actively managed, maintained and traceable throughout the full lifecycle. This includes initial creation, ongoing updates and final archival in alignment with legislated document retention requirements. Agencies are encouraged to implement a Deliverable Management Plan that ensures:
- Version control and documentation integrity.
- Change management protocols for review and approval.
- Accessibility for all impacted groups, including oversight bodies.
- Traceability to lifecycle phases, governance checkpoints and agency sub-projects.
Refer to PM-01-04 to see what deliverables are mandatory per your assigned tier.