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Supplying Principles and Practices > USPS Supplying Practices Process Step 1: Identify Needs > Revisit/Update Resource Assessment
Revisit/Update Resource Assessment
Resource assessment is used to determine whether sufficient resources,
including funding, have been assessed and budgeted for a project.
Previously, resources were preliminarily assessed in the context of the
Conceptualize Need task of Process Step 1: Identify Needs. In the context of
the Decide on Make vs. Buy task, revisiting or updating the resource
assessment confirms cost estimates in the relevant sections of the business
justification document. Comparing validated costs with the original estimates
is a crucial activity of this task.
During this stage, the Client must continue to evaluate the need and
determine its relative impact on available resources. When planning the
delivery of a new project, the Client organization needs to consider the
resources required, whether they are from its own organization, a different
organization in the Postal Service, Supply Management, partners, or
suppliers. Purchase/SCM Teams should also be aware of the impact that
these decisions and actions will have on the Client's budget. See Handbook
F-66, General Investment Policies and Procedures for more information.
Figure 1.8
Resource Planning Diagram
All five resource categories should be carefully analyzed during the resource
planning stage because they are primary resources that help facilitate project
success. Figure 1.8 summarizes the required resources, the factors to be
considered when planning, and the information that will be needed for the
resource in question.
Funding is a particularly important consideration of resource planning.
Factors for analysis will include budget/budget cycle, cost benefits, and return
on investment (ROI). Information that will be needed include source, timing,
and how the funds will be applied.
In addition to examining the budget, a cost/benefit analysis should be
conducted to assess whether the initiative will have an ROI. It will then be
necessary to identify all sources of funding, the timing of the funds (how
much, and when, funding is required), and how these funds are to be applied.
Funding arrangements provide the basis for financial management and
control throughout the project life cycle.
Assess Resources topic, Conceptualize Need task, Process Step 1: Identify
Needs
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