The Work Breakdown Structure in Government Contracting

This new practical handbook teaches you how to employ the work breakdown structure (WBS) in government contracting to ensure that your contracts stay on track, on budget, and meet your objectives. Whether you’re a government employee involved in contract management or a contractor supporting a government project, this hands-on guide shows you how to use the WBS for better project results–from initiation to closeout.

Now is the time for you to learn to use the WBS in your RFPs, SOWs, and proposals. In 2002 OMB began requiring that all government agencies and contractors use the ANSI/EIA standard as the basis for project management and reporting. What’s more, in 2004 OMB will require that all budget proposals submitted for major acquisitions and IT systems or projects include a project management plan based on the ANSI standard for EVM. The Work Breakdown Structure in Government Contracting will help both government personnel and contractors develop plans with a WBS that meets and exceeds OMB’s requirements.

With The Work Breakdown Structure in Government Contracting you’ll learn how to

• Use the WBS to maximize the success of your contracts
• Create a WBS framework that simplifies communications, coordination, and scheduling
• Structure a WBS that meets the unique requirements of your specific project
• Use the WBS as a planning framework for agency programs that are required to use the ANSI/EIA standard for project management and reporting

Features of this Practical Handbook

• Real-life examples of how the WBS is employed in different types of projects
• Detailed WBS samples to use as templates for your own projects
• Comprehensive and concise information–an outstanding text for all project management courses

About the Author

Gregory T. Haugan, Ph.D., PMP, is a renowned specialist in project management consulting and training. He is an expert in the application and implementation of project management systems, with more than 40 years of experience as a consultant and as a government and private sector official. Dr. Haugan was instrumental in the early development of WBS and C/SCSC (earned value) concepts at DoD and in the initial development of PERT cost software. He has pioneered the use of work breakdown structures as contract requirements, instructing both government employees and contractors in their use for better project management.