The following is a list of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) and their responses compiled by the PMO.
- What is a project?
- What constitutes a Major Information Technology Development Project (MITDP)?
- Does the DoIT PMO provide Project Management resources for my project?
- How do I know which DoIT Project Manager is assigned to my project?
- Does the Information Technology Project Request (ITPR) qualify as an SDLC document?
- Do you have to do an ITPR for non-MITDP?
- What is an IV&V and how do they come about?
- How are IV&V's budgeted?
- How does a Portfolio Review compare with a Peer Review?
- What do I do if my contract is about to expire prior to completion of my project?
- Are projects tracked according to the fiscal or calendar years?
- Is Operations and Maintenance (O&M) included in the overall development cost of a project?
- What if my question is not in this list?
1. What is a project?
A project is a set of interrelated activities with a specific goal or end result, and with a clear start and finish. Projects may include non-traditional information technology (IT) development, but involve telecommunications or engineering activities. Regardless of size, the State's System Development Life Cycle (SDLC) methodology should be followed as good project management practice.
back to top
2. What constitutes a Major Information Technology Development Project (MITDP)?
An MITDP is any IT development project that meets one or more of the following criteria:
- The estimated total cost of development equals or exceeds $1 million;
- The project is undertaken to support a critical business function associated with the public health, education, safety or financial well being of the citizens of Maryland; or
- The DoIT Secretary determines that the project requires the special attention and consideration given to an MITDP.
back to top
3. Does the DoIT PMO provide Project Management resources for my project?
No, DoIT's PMO provides oversight for all of the State's MITDPs. Day-to-day Project Managers and project management resources are obtained/assigned by the sponsoring agencies.
back to top
4. How do I know which DoIT Project Manager is assigned to my project?
Contact the PMO directly for the PM assignment.
back to top
5. Does the Information Technology Project Request (ITPR) qualify as an SDLC document?
Yes, because the ITPR encompasses a tremendous amount of useful information critical to the 
System Concept Development phase (phase two of the SDLC) of the project.
back to top
6. Do you have to do an ITPR for an IT project that does not qualify as an MITDP?
No, ITPRs are a recommended practice, but it is not required for non-MITDPs.
back to top
7. What is an IV&V and how do they come about?
An IV&V is an independent verification and validation or a third party assessment of a project. IV&V contractors are typically solicited by the DoIT PMO to conduct a health assessment of select MITDPs, based on the project/agency's recent history.
back to top
8. How are IV&V's budgeted?
Through FY07, IV&Vs are budgeted via an appropriation to the MITDP Fund at DoIT. Beginning with FY08, each MITDP must budget $150K for each full year of the MITDP. See the FY09 ITPR instructions for additional information.
back to top
9. How does a Portfolio Review compare with a Peer Review?
A Portfolio Review is conducted by DoIT for all of the MITDPs - one agency at a time - to review the status of the agency's full IT portfolio. A Peer Review is facilitated by DBM in conjunction with a committee of agency peers to mentor a new MITDP.
back to top
10. What do I do if my contract is about to expire prior to the completion of my project?
The first step is to contact your agency's procurement office to inquire about options such as recompeting for the services or exercising an option of the existing contract.
back to top
11. Are projects tracked according to the fiscal or calendar years?
Projects are tracked according to the fiscal year, which is July 1st - June 30th.
back to top
12. Is Operations and Maintenance (O&M) included in the overall development cost of a project?
Yes, O&M must be included for the first full year after development, then it gets moved into the general budget.
back to top
13. What if my question is not in this list?
Send an email to: oitpmo@doit.state.md.us.
back to top