scope:

This handbook describes the basic processes and provides general guidance for managing and implementing the life-cycle for all projects managed at Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) and executing the systems engineering processes employed at MSFC. Its intended use is for projects that provide aerospace products, technologies, data, and operational services (aeronautics, space, and ground). It also serves as an information source for projects such as non-flight infrastructure, Construction of Facilities (CofF), Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR), and for research and analysis projects. The guidance contained in this document, while not required, documents proven best practices and approaches to project management and systems engineering and is aligned with the NASA policies and guidance for Project Management and Systems Engineering.

While many of the management and systems engineering principles and practices described in this book apply to both programs and projects, the emphasis of the document is to describe the management and systems engineering processes necessary for project development; therefore, in general, the document refers only to project management and systems engineering. Readers interested in program management principles may apply this information to the program level.

While all process activities and general guidance are addressed, project managers, working with their systems engineers, may tailor and customize implementation to the specific needs of the project consistent with project size, complexity, criticality and risk. Tailoring and customizing are mechanism to encourage innovation and achieve products in an efficient manner while meeting the expectations of the customer. Tailoring results when a requirement is removed from a program/project/activity, whereas, customization results when a best practice or guidance is removed from the program/project/activity. Results of the tailoring will be documented in Program Commitment Agreements (PCAs), Program Plans, and Project Plans. All projects comply with applicable MSFC directives, requirements established by law, regulations, Executive Orders, and Agency directives.

Purpose

The purpose of this handbook is to describe the basic processes and to provide general guidance for managing and implementing projects at the MSFC. The handbook alsodefines the contemporary policies and practices employed at MSFC in the management of projects and execution of systems engineering processes.

This document is not intended to be a specification for future projects, but is to be used as guidance in both in the management of projects and in the development of plans for future projects. It will also serve as an orientation for newcomers and outsiders to the MSFC processes in the project management and systems engineering employed in the development of space systems.