The Integrated Master Plan (IMP) is an event-based, top-level plan consisting of a hierarchy of Program Events.  Each event is decomposed into specific accomplishments and each specific accomplishment is decomposed into specific Criteria.  The IMP is ultimately used to develop a time-based Integrated Master Schedule (IMS) to shows a networked, multi-layered schedule showing all the detailed tasks required to accomplish the work effort contained in the IMP. The IMP and IMS related to the Work Breakdown Structure (WBS). The IMP provides a Program Manager (PM) with a systematic approach to planning, scheduling, and execution.

Guide: DoD Integrated Master Plan and Integrated Master Schedule Preparation and User Guide

The three (3) elements of the IMP are:

1. Event: a program assessment point that occurs at the culmination of significant program activities
2. Accomplishment: is the desired result(s) prior to or at the completion of an event that indicates a level of the program’s progress
3. Criteria: provides definitive evidence that a specific accomplishment has been completed

The IMP provides insight to the PM, contractor, and Program Management Office (PMO) which enables them to: [1]

• Identify and assess actual progress vs. planned progress
• Monitor the program Critical Path and help to develop workaround to problem areas
• Assess the status of risk management activities based on the inclusion of program Risk Mitigation activities in the IMP and IMS
• Assess the progress on selected Key Performance Parameters (KPP), Key System Attributes (KSA) and Technical Performance Measures (TPM)
• Provide an objective, quantitative basis for the contractor’s performance assessment rating and award fee
• Help develop and support “What-ifs” exercises and to identify and assess candidate problems workarounds
• Provide better insight into potential follow-on efforts that are not part of the original Statement of Work (SOW)

The five (5) steps in developing the IMP include: [1]

1. Determine the IMP structure and organization
2. Identify events, accomplishment and criteria
3. Prepare the introduction and narrative section
4. Complete the numbering system
5. Iterate events, accomplishments and criteria with the Integrated Product Team (IPT) during IMS development

The IMP and IMS are valuable tools a PM can use in preparing for a Request for Proposal (RFP) and Source Selection. It can serves as the basis of an offeror’s proposal and evaluation criteria.

AcqLinks and References:

• Defense Acquisition Guidebook (DAG)
• [1] DoD Integrated Master Plan and Integrated Master Schedule Preparation and User Guide – 21 Oct 2005

Updated: 11/3/2020