Evaluate and Approve Planned Investments
After a project receives funding, it enters the formal approval process. This step ensures the investment has been fully reviewed, approved by WaTech and has a solid plan before significant public funds are spent, as required by RCW 43.105.255.
Step 1: Intake and Oversight Determination
WaTech reviews Investment Intake submission of the planned project to assess risk and determine oversight requirements. Visit <link to investment intake and oversight kickoff> page for more information.
Step 2: Oversight Kickoff Meeting
For all investments requiring oversight, WaTech meets with the agency’s leadership and project team to review the investment in detail. See ‘Oversight Kickoff Meeting’ section on <link to investment intake and oversight kickoff> page for more information.
Step 3: Investment Approval
If a project is under oversight, it must receive WaTech approval before implementation can begin. See ‘Investment Approval’ section on <link to investment intake and oversight kickoff> page for more information. Any major change to scope, schedule or budget must be approved by WaTech before moving forward with the revision.
When Non-Major Projects Need Approval
Projects that are not classified as major may still require WaTech approval if any of the following apply:
- The investment does not align with the state IT strategic plan
- It does not follow WaTech policies, standards or procedures
- It does not align with the agency’s IT architecture
- It duplicates or competes with another state system or service
- It involves a private-sector strategic partnership
- It involves an academic partnership for a business or administrative system
Agencies should contact WaTech if they are unsure whether approval is required.
Transparency Requirements
All project documentation—from intake through closeout—must be posted to the State IT Project Dashboard. This includes approval materials, status reports, deliverables and other project records. See PM-01-04-S Tiered Oversight and Reporting Standard for details.
View Phase 4: Implement the Project