Basic definition of program management: management of multiple projects for a single client over a period of time; also possibly multiple sites, multiple funding sources, and/or multiple user groups.

Important things to know or decide about a program:

1. Funding Sources:

a) What are they (e.g. bonds, tax revenue, capital outlay     program, state school building program)?
b) What are the requirements of each?
c) What strings are attached to each?
d) Is interest or arbitrage an issue?
e) What are the criteria for allocation of funding?
f) What approval steps are required?

2. Program budgets and budget contingencies

3. Cash flow requirements

4. Design criteria

a) Program
b) Scope of work
c) Design standards
d) Design or specification review

5. Organization

a) Of program itself
b) Of client agency
c) Of program team members

6. Communication and reporting protocols

a) Who receives information
b) Who gives out information
c) Who attends meetings

7. Decision making protocols

a) Levels of authority
b) Levels of autonomy
c) Multiple review/concurrence

8. A/E's and other consultants

a) Number and organization
b) Selection
c) Management and coordination

9. Regulatory agency involvement

10. Construction

a) How purchased
b) Special bidding requirements

11. Logistical issues

a) Shared resources (e.g. housing, moving, maintenance)
b) Access to sites
c) Availability of client resources to support program

12. Program schedule

a) Schedule constraints
b) How does each project's timing affect the others?

13. Planning Activities

a) Condition assessment
b) Master planning
c) Implementation planning

14. Prioritization

a) Of funding
b) Of time

15. Public information and public relations