6.1: Integration
Integrate the EA with CPIC and SLC Processes Other Information:
Investment management and systems development/acquisition are closely linked with the EA processes. The agency should only
make investments that move the agency toward the target architecture and these investment decisions should comply with the
sequencing plan. The EA, CPIC, and SLC (systems life cycle) processes are integrated to best suit the agency's particular
organization, culture, and internal management practices. Certain basic relationships exist between these functions and they
have a common focus: the effective and efficient management of IT investments. The dialogue across CPIC, SLC, and EA processes
is continuous, cooperative, and facilitated by agency commitment to an integrated process. Details of this relationship between
management processes and the capital planning and investment control process are discussed in the Architecture Alignment and
Assessment Guide and the Smart Practices in Capital Planning document. GAO«s Information Technology Investment Management
Tasks: 6.1.1. Train Personnel 6.1.2. Establish Enforcement Processes and Procedures Framework provides a structured approach
to IT investment management that is consistent and integrated with the principles of good EA and system life cycle practices.
Each agency designs its own CPIC process for structuring budget formulation and execution to ensure that investments consistently
support strategic goals. All IT projects should align with the agency mission and support agency business needs while minimizing
risks and maximizing returns throughout the investment's life cycle. The target architecture and the sequencing plan provide
information for the three phases of the CPIC process. In the Select Phase, the agency determines if the proposed investment
meets business decision criteria. To assess the business alignment of the proposed investment, decision makers use, for example,
the business case, acquisition plan, and the project plan to determine whether the proposed investment aligns with the sequencing
plan and target architecture. In the Control Phase, decision makers monitor business and technical compliance as demonstrated
in, for example, the updated business case, system architecture, systems design, and test program. In addition, the investment
should be monitored to ensure continuing alignment with the agency's strategic and business goals, which may shift over time.
In the Evaluate Phase, the decision makers perform a final assessment to determine technical and strategic compliance with
the EA. The results, including findings of noncompliance, should influence strategic planning for new business and IT projects,
which could then lead to changes in the EA.
Indicator(s):
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