Enterprise Integration Toolkit: Perform Alternatives Analysis

Initiation | Perform Alternatives Analysis

Outlines potential solutions to address business needs; Evaluates merits of multiple means to address business needs; May include alternative approaches to implementing a similar solution

Sustainment | | Steps
	Step	Tools
1	Identify alternatives 4 Using the business alternatives developed as part of the High-level Business Case, identify alternative solutions that satisfy the (Project Needs), Business Case and high-level Requirements set forth to date.	Analysis of Alternatives Template
2	Survey comparable organizations 4 Survey comparable organizations (based on similar business requirements, size, and complexity) to identify solution fit, capture costs, schedule, performance, risks and issues from applicable projects.
3	Prioritize alternative assessment 4 Determine weighting factor for each alternative. Confirm that the cost and effort to assess alternatives is within the parameters defined in the Business Case.	Analysis of Alternatives Template
4	Determine if third party is required. 4 Identify skills and experience needed to perform alternatives analysis and rank your internal team against that criteria.
4a	Engage Third Party 4 If third party is required, competitively engage a proven independent third party that fills the gap in skills and experience. Independence should be demonstrated through having no vested interest in the work to be awarded.
5	Evaluate internal capability 4 Determine whether this function can be better supported by a source within the government or the private sector.	Clinger-Cohen Checklist
6	Validate each alternative 4 Conduct research and reference checks for each alternative. Consider developing and issuing an RFI if warranted to validate each alternative.