Gateway Reviews
In the second quarter of 2009 Core Point will commence conducting Gateway Reviews.
Key Benefits of Gateway
Gateway has been used in the United Kingdom since 2000 and in Victoria since 2003. Participants in these jurisdictions confirm that applying Gateway demonstrably improves project delivery.
Gateway strengthens the governance of major projects and assists agencies to deliver projects on time, within budget and in accordance with stated objectives. Some key benefits to the agency include:
- Access to the knowledge of highly experienced peers
- Improved procurement, contract and risk management practices
- Greater assurance that a project should progress to the next stage of development or implementation
- Dissemination of better practice techniques across the public sector, leading to enhanced project management skills.
A Gateway review is a highly interactive, cooperative process involving the Gateway Review Team, the Senior Responsible Official in the agency and the Project Team. It is neither an audit nor intended to be onerous on the sponsoring agency. The review should not require new documentation to be produced – it focuses on information already developed. The project can continue while the review is being conducted.
Gateway reviews are conducted by independent reviewers – people not associated with the project itself.
Review reports are confidential, high level and action oriented. They are prepared for the sponsoring agency not for the Gateway Unit. Regardless of how critical its recommendations are, the Gateway report itself does not stop a project. It is the Senior Responsible Official’s responsibility to decide the appropriate action to address the Gateway review findings.
What is the Gateway Review Process?
The Gateway Review Process (Gateway) is a project assurance methodology. It involves a series of brief independent reviews at critical stages in the development and implementation of a project. Gateway is designed to help achieve project objectives and deliver projects on time and within budget. At key decision points (referred to as ‘gates’), a Gateway review focuses on the issues that are important to the project at that stage of the project’s life. Each review provides high level, action oriented recommendations.
There are six stages at which Gateway reviews can occur. Typically they occur at given times in a project’s lifecycle as follows:
Gate 1 – Business Case
Focuses on the robustness of the Business Case in respect to the proposed approach and supporting analysis. Areas assessed include:
- Clarity and practicality of proposal and strategic fit
- Risks and critical success factors
This is usually conducted once the Business Case has been developed and a project approach has been decided upon.
Gate 2 – Procurement Strategy
Focuses on the project’s preparedness to invite proposals or tenders. Areas assessed include:
- Exploration of procurement options
- Feasibility of project plan
This is usually conducted once the Procurement Strategy has been developed.
Gate 3 – Investment Decision
Focuses on whether the supplier selection assessment meets the business needs and contract delivery controls exist. Areas assessed include:
- Implementation of procurement plan
- Suitability of recommended procurement and contracting arrangements
This is usually conducted once the bids have been evaluated, a supplier has been confirmed and the Business Case has been updated.
Gate 4 – Readiness for Service
Focuses on assessing organisational readiness for delivery and ongoing management. Areas assessed include:
- Achievability of implementation plans
- Planning and implementation of risk management strategies
This is conducted once the contract has been awarded and transitioning to new contract has occurred, asset or service has been tested and commissioned and readiness for delivery has been assessed.
Gate 5 – Benefits Realisation
Focuses on measuring the project’s success to date in achieving its objectives and potential remedial actions. Areas assessed include:
- Whether anticipated benefits are being delivered
- Ongoing contract development and management
This is conducted once the asset or service has been delivered and benefits have been achieved, or performance or value for money has been achieved or can be measured.
If you would like to know more about the Gateway Review Process or our other solutions please send a confidential email or call us on the number on your screen.
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