Project Management

The purpose of the CNS Project Management Plan (PMP) is to develop and establish a sound basis for task order execution, and to establish the basis for the necessary processes for managing and controlling the scope, schedule and performance of the task. The nbsp;CNS PMP documents task resources, structure, deliverables, and task schedule. One element of our project management approach that has contributed greatly to our success is our consistent development and use of the PMP. Each PMP details the tasks and activities to be performed, the resources required to perform the tasks, the timelines for task durations and the deliverables to be provided and other key milestones that occur during the task.

The CNS standard project management and service delivery processes and methodologies are based on a combination of industry standards and commercial best practices; specifically, the Project Management Institute (PMI) Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK)-compliant Project Management methodology version 2 (PM2); the Information Technology Infrastructure Library (ITIL) framework, Capability Maturity Model Integration (CMMI®), and Lean Six Sigma.

As an organization of IT professionals, CNS is aware of the value of program management in controlling resources, managing costs, and meeting customer expectations. The CNS management staff’s abilities to assess risk, communicate effectively, and make good business decisions contribute to success in maintaining balance within the program. Along with leadership and management skills, program management concepts provide our managers with the tools to give our team a powerful competitive advantage.

CNS’s management methodology is formalized and documented to provide consistent guidance to staff at all levels of skill and experience. This methodology is continuously supported through training, technical assistance, and process improvement. Procedures, tools, and techniques are used to create, refine, and control the work products that are created in each lifecycle phase. The project team’s roles and responsibilities are defined and associated with the various tasks performed during the project lifecycle.

Risk Management

We recognize that identifying and mitigating risks, issues, and security associated with projects of any size are crucial elements to meeting cost and schedule requirements. CNS incorporates risk management as an integral part of every project.

We document the status of our risk management program in the status reports, and iteratively assess, prioritize, mitigate, and monitor risk for the life of the project. CNS will analyze and evaluate deliverables and identify risks associated with critical deliverables at project initiation. Once identified, each risk will go through a thorough analysis and prioritization process. Our management team will determine a probable mitigation strategy and present it to our clients. The final strategy will be implemented, monitored, and the progress reported in the weekly status report. Identifying problems, issues, and security elements are part of the risk mitigation plan.

Problem/Issue Identification, Tracking,and Resolution

Effective problem/issue control involves identifying, prioritizing, tracking, and resolving issues quickly. Our staff will accomplish this by resolving problems/issues at the lowest possible project level. We expect that our technical staff will resolve most problems/issues without the need for escalation. However, if problem/issue arises that requires higher decision making authority, we will escalate them to our client with a recommended resolution(s) and supporting analyses (e.g. root cause analysis, etc.). Our management will discuss the problem/issue with the client to determine a course of action, implement the action plan, track our progress, and report the results in the weekly status report. Problems/issues will be tracked in an issue management database, and tracked to closure by the CNS management.

Quality Assurance

CNS is committed to the delivery of superior services and solutions driven by our in-depth knowledge of customer requirements and a commitment to high quality execution. Our quality assurance practices include a disciplined approach to process management, performance metrics and satisfaction indicators that are linked to customer priorities. The goal of Quality Assurance (QA) is to objectively evaluate adherence to the designated processes, applicable standards, associated work products, and contract requirements. Quality Assurance’s activities are planned and documented, performance is measured, records are maintained and in the event of deficiencies, corrective action is initiated. These QA processes, objectively evaluate the critical work products, services, and standards. Quality Assurance provides an objective insight into the processes and ensures conformity with established contractual standards.

Quality Assurance verifies that work products and procedures meet the contractual and technical requirements and that a repeatable, measurable process has been followed in their creation. Quality assurance procedures are defined in a Quality Assurance Plan (QAP) that will be used to audit the work products, as well as determine compliance with the  technical and performance requirements. CNS will tailor Quality Assurance (QA) guidelines for development of the QAP to meet the project’s size, scope, and requirements. The QAP outlines the review and validation process of the project requirements delivered during each phase. The QAP is supported in the project management plan with the schedule of tasks and responsibilities. CNS’s Quality Assurance Plan (QAP) establishes the QA activities and organizational expectations for quantitatively evaluating tasks using quality and process-performance objectives, and statistically reviewing selected sub processes within the project’s defined processes. The Quality Assurance Plan provides a framework for activities and processes, which when followed, will ensure that the required documents and services meet the contract requirements. The QAP ensures compliance across the project with planned quality assurance activities, ensuring adherence to applicable standards, designated areas of accountability, and assistance in minimizing the possibility of error. It is a key component of meeting our objectives and describes the processes and procedures for staff and management to follow in the operation of services. Our quality assurance practices include a disciplined approach to process management, adhering to the defined performance metrics and key customer satisfaction indicators.

CNS has an independent QA organization to perform the QA activities, which includes; performance monitoring, periodic reviews and audits on the designated program elements. The QA activities are scheduled, documented, and tracked within the parameters established by the Schedule and the Quality Assurance Plan (QAP). Quality Assurance (QA) activities are scheduled at a project level in the project schedule/WBS, and identified in the reviews and audit section of the QAP.