The Program Management Improvement and Accountability Act of 2015 (PMIAA) will enhance accountability and best practices in project and program management throughout the federal government by:
- Creating a formal job series and career path for program/project managers in the federal government, to include training and mentoring.
- Developing and implementing, with input from private industry, a standards-based program/project management policy across the federal government.
- Recognizing the essential role of executive sponsorship and engagement by designating a senior executive in federal agencies to be responsible for program/project management policy and strategy.
- Sharing knowledge of successful approaches to program/project management through an inter-agency council on program and project management.
- Implementing program/project portfolio reviews.
- Establishing a 5-year strategic plan for program/project management.
The associated bill was unanimously passed by the US Senate by in November 2015, and passed by Congress in September 2016 on a 404-11 vote. Because Congress made some minor changes, it now has to return to the Senate before it can be signed into law by the President.
It is worth noting that the scope of the Act is not restricted to departments such as Defense and Energy where large capital projects are conducted – it covers ALL executive agencies.
You can read the text of the Program Management Improvement and Accountability Act (PMIAA) here, and stay up-to-date on the Act’s progress here.
This has now been signed by President Obama, and has become law.
This was passed by the Senate last week, and so it goes to the President for signature next.