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.
For Programs and Projects
Agencies may choose to implement Independent Verification & Validation (IV&V) and Technical Quality Review (TQR) activities as part of their risk‑mitigation strategy. While not required by statute or WaTech policy, these practices provide objective technical insight, help identify risks early, and offer an independent assessment of a solution’s technical approach. Establishing a clear plan ensures these activities are well‑coordinated, consistently applied, and aligned with broader program or project objectives.
Develop an IV&V and TQR Plan
Create a unified IV&V and TQR Plan that outlines how verification, validation, and technical quality review activities will be performed, coordinated, and monitored throughout the program or project. The plan should clearly define roles, responsibilities, communication expectations, and how findings will inform decision‑making.
Program‑Level Approach
Establish the enterprise IV&V framework, including scope, review cycles, required artifacts, and reporting protocols. Describe how IV&V will assess enterprise build, configuration, testing, and deployment activities, ensuring alignment with Washington’s IT Strategic Plan, agency technology standards, and lifecycle expectations. For Programs with Agency-Led Sub-Projects make sure to incorporate them into your master plan. This ensures technical oversight is applied consistently across all components of the program.
Project‑Level Approach
Define the project‑specific IV&V/TQR scope and cadence. Clarify how reviews will validate requirements traceability, design‑to‑build alignment, technical quality, testing rigor, and deployment readiness. Identify communication channels and responsibilities between the project team, IV&V/TQR resources, and oversight partners.
Key Activities
Agencies choosing to use IV&V and TQR should:
• Document the IV&V and TQR scope, objectives, and review methods
• Identify required artifacts, access needs, and submission timelines
• Align review cycles with program or project milestones
• Establish escalation paths for findings, risks, or recommendations
• Coordinate participation in walkthroughs, demonstrations, and milestone reviews
• Integrate reporting into governance, RAIDc processes, and decision‑making workflows
WaTech Template: None, Vendor Provided IV&V & TQR Plan