The PDP and Decision-Making

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PDP Phased Approach

Project Development Process

• Streamlined to meet the objectives of ODOT’s core program

• Allows for more flexibility between phases• Pulls Stage 1 and Stage 2 Engineering into PE and

Environmental• Redefines how alternatives are developed• Proactive merger of Design and NEPA

PDP Paths

Project Development Process

PDP Milestones

Project Development Process

Typical Deliverables

Project Development Process

Flexibility is Key!

ODOT’s PDP is designed to allow the PM to develop the design and decision detail to the level necessary for a good decision.•Project Initiation•Feasibility Study•Alternative Evaluation Report•PE Design-Stage 1-2•NEPA Document

PDP- Solid Decision Faster/Cheaper• New scoping process (Project Initiation Package)

ensures that only necessary work gets scoped and that the projects are properly planned out.

• During the Preliminary Engineering (PE) Phase of the PDP, the “Feasibility Study” focuses on the narrowing of Alternatives and hopefully, get’s to a preferred.

• The Alternative Evaluation Report addresses environmental and design issues, then recommends a Preferred Alternative.

• Once a Preferred Alternative is chosen, Stage 1/Stage 2 can begin and additional environmental studies/permits can occur concurrently.

What was our Goal in producing these decision products?

1.Concise! (Feasibility study can be 1 page to 100 pages.)2.Readable. (If it wasn’t an impact, say it and move on. If we did a study, summarize and attach- not repeat. Use graphics, tables and charts!)3.We wanted it to contain everything! (Thank you DVD’s!)

Decision-making within the PDP is Unique.

ODOT’s PDP and Decision-making• Each Project can have different detail

needed to make the decision…– Environmental– Preliminary Engineering

• Each PDP report (feasibility Study, AER, etc.) can have different level of detail to make the decision…

• Still have core issues that need to be addressed to meet legal requirements…

• Tell the Story

• Keep it Brief

• Keep it Legal

PDP Documentation- How much is too much?

PDP- Solid Decision Faster/Cheaper• PDP redefined how alternatives are developed

and to what level of detail – early review of alts.

• Proactive merger of design and NEPA. Focused on balance of when NEPA/design studies are needed. (Stage I/II redesigned)

• Common sense decision-making.• New emphasis on Critical Path Management and

scheduling of milestones.• Requirement for new department-wide project

manager training.

PDP Decisions

• Be Flexible• Risk

Management

• Make good decisions…

Questions and Discussion