FAQ

The following list of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) questions have been developed to help you navigate the CA-PMF. If you have a question that is not addressed, feel free to contact us.

1. Does the CA-PMF replace the CA-PMM?
Yes, the CA-PMF replaces the CA-PMM.

2. What is the purpose of the CA-PMF?
The purpose of the CA-PMF is to be a practical and useful guide to lead a Project Manager and team through the Project Management Lifecycle (PMLC) for projects of all sizes, so that they achieve expected outcomes and thereby project success. The Framework focuses on Information Technology (IT) projects, but it can be used by project teams for other types of projects as well. The CA-PMF was developed using the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK®) as a reference.

3. What is the audience of the CA-PMF?
The intended audience for the Framework is Project Managers and project team practitioners who are responsible for directly performing or overseeing project management processes and activities. The CA-PMF will also provide useful information to Project Sponsors, project participants, and stakeholders regarding the effective and efficient management of projects. The guidance and advice contained in the Framework emphasizes the importance of people skills, good judgment, and effective communications in the successful delivery of projects.

4. How was the CA-PMF developed?
The CA-PMF was developed by the California Project Management Office (CA-PMO) of the California Department of Technology (CDT).

5. Are Agencies and state entities (including their vendors or contractors) required to use the CA-PMF even though they may have their own or other tools?
No. Agencies and state entities may use an alternative PMBOK-based framework as stated in 4819.31 of SAM Section 4800. However, the framework shall encompass project management practices, processes, and deliverables at a level comparable to what is contained within the CA-PMF.

6. How does the CA-PMF relate to the Project Approval Lifecycle (PAL)?
The PAL is the state's process for approving IT projects. The PAL is intended to ensure projects are undertaken with clear business objectives, accurate costs, and realistic schedules. The CA-PMF is a PMBOK based resource that defines the state's Project Management Lifecycle (PMLC) with tools and other resources to help project management practitioners successfully manage their projects. The CA-PMF describes touchpoints between PMLC and PAL. Many artifacts developed following CA-PMF guidance can be leveraged when preparing materials required by PAL.

7. How does the CA-PMF relate to the Department of Technology oversight function?
The Department of Technology Project Approvals and Oversight (PAO) manages the PAL processes and provides oversight to approved IT projects. The CA-PMF is a PMBOK based resource that defines the state's Project Management Lifecycle (PMLC) with tools and other resources to help project management practitioners successfully manage their projects. The CA-PMF describes touchpoints between PMLC and PAO. Many processes described in CA-PMF guidance are aligned with processes required by PAO.

8. Where can I find the Complexity Assessment template and instructions?
The Complexity Assessment template and instructions are part of the IT Project Oversight Framework and can be found in the Statewide Information Management Manual (SIMM), section 45.

9. Where are the oversight documents that used to be located under SIMM 17 - California Project Management Methodology (CA-PMM)?
Those documents are now part of the IT Project Oversight Framework and can be found in the Statewide Information Management Manual (SIMM), section 45.

10. I have a question that is not addressed regarding the CA-PMF. Who can I contact?
Feel free to contact us.