Construction	Online Guide
		Transition and Closure	Process
Activity:	Implement Transition and Closure Plan		Revision July 1, 2005
Description:	The project team performs the activities described in the Transition and Closure Plan at appropriate times during the course of the phase or project as transition events dictate. Certain activities (Lessons Learned, Rewards and Recognition, etc.) are employed continually throughout the project. The transition event signifies the completion of the continuous aspect of these elements for the phase or activity. Other transition activities are timed to effectively coincide with the transition event; the acceptance of completed work, the demobilization of staff and facilities, etc., are all triggered by the completion of the transition event. The inclusion of Transition and Closure activities in budgets and schedules provides the project team with the visibility needed to determine when transition activities should be performed and when they should be completed.
Inputs:	· Your Project Management Plan identifies the Transition and Closure process for your project. For information about developing a Transition and Closure Plan, go to the Transition and Closure Plan Activity Guide.
Tools:	Ø· Transition and Closure Plan Template Ø· Sample Transition and Closure Plan
Steps:	1. Reviewing and Refining Continually review the activities associated with each transition event and refine the Transition and Closure Plan and responsibilities for its performance accordingly. For portions of the Transition and Closure Plan left in a “preliminary” stage at the beginning of the project, particularly the staff demobilization activities, review work progress and complete the transition planning early enough to avoid any potential impact of uncertainty on the staff.
	2. Maintaining Visibility Use the Project Delivery Information System (PDIS) baseline and budget tracking tools to maintain performance visibility of all Transition and Closure activities.
	3. Acceptance of Work As the work leading up to the transition event proceeds, maintain contact with and report progress and changes to those involved in the acceptance process. · As completion of the work to be accepted nears, review the acceptance criteria and checklist, and establish detailed scheduling of all acceptance activities, including preliminary checkout and review and acceptance of quality reports. In general, complete all pre-acceptance activities as soon as practicable. · Establish a date and procedures for formal acknowledgement of the acceptance of the work. Acceptance acknowledges the transfer of responsibility and should be formally acknowledged in writing.
	4. Demobilization Completion of the work associated with a transition event generally leads to the reassignment of staff; the return or transfer of unneeded facilities and equipment; and the cancellation of unneeded services. · As the work progresses, refine and complete plans for demobilizing staff, facilities, equipment, and services. Be particularly attentive to plans for reassigning staff. · In all cases, keep communication with affected staff members clear, and provide appropriate advance notice of changes to those affected. Use caution in verifying that all of the work product has been completed and is acceptable (see Acceptance of Work above). Do not overlook follow-up work needs, Lessons Learned, and archiving activities. Also, with the Rewards and Recognition process, keep in mind that those who make early contributions to the project’s success frequently miss out on the recognition of their work when the project is completed. · As the completion of work renders facilities, equipment, and services unneeded, expedite their cancellation, return, or transfer to other uses in accordance with the Transition and Closure Plan. It is generally more efficient to establish those plans for each element of facilities, equipment, and services, and to plan their “demobilization” requirements, activities, and costs at the time they are acquired.
	5. Financial Closure Review the requirements and specific procedures for the financial closure of the activity, phase, or project with Region/Organization Management and the Program Management Office.
Products:	· Transition and Closure
Guidelines:	Transition and Closure is often thought of as being planned and performed as the work is being “completed” (rather than during the course of the project). The reality is, Transition and Closure activities occur throughout the project. Some are continual from the beginning to the end, and all require careful planning, budgeting, and scheduling. The most effective project teams understand and agree that they must plan for and comprehend ALL of the work elements before getting under way.