^ [[6 Planning Phase]] # 6.5  Outsourcing Plan The Outsourcing Plan defines the what and how for any outsourced products or services. It outlines the **scope of products and/or services to be purchased or contracted**, identifies the **outsourcing strategies** that will be used, and defines the relevant **responsibilities for the full outsourcing lifecycle**. Note that the present plan should be compliant with the relevant organisational rules and procedures. ![[Table 6.5 - Outsourcing Plan - Participants.png]] ## Inputs - [[Business Case]] and [[Project Charter]] - [[Project Work Plan]] - [[Project Handbook]] - Relevant organisational procurement rules and procedures ## Steps 1. Identify the **deliverables and activities that need to be outsourced**, along with the **timeframe** within which the outsourcing should take place. 2. Decide who can **interface with the contractors** and who is responsible for signing the contract. Note that there might be organisation-level rules on contracting to be followed. 3. List the **evaluation criteria for contractors**. This ensures that a contractor is selected on the basis of pre-set criteria and that no single person or group influences the decision. The criteria could include the following: [[capability]], previous experience in similar projects, anything else of relevance. 4. Identify any **constraints** that may affect the outsourcing process (an organisation’s pre-existing agreements or preferred suppliers may require the project team to work with specific suppliers or contractors). 5. Identify the **method(s) by which new products may be obtained (i.e. lease/purchase, tendering process**). Factors like time/capacity constraints may also influence the choice of method. 6. Identify the people within the organisation who must **approve purchases**. 7. Provide a **timeline for all the contracted activities and deliverables**. This will ensure that the contractor is committed to having resources available to meet the pre-agreed timeline. 8. Identify any **documentation deliverables** expected from the contractors (e.g. manuals, etc.). ![[Fig 6.7 Outsourcing Plan inputs and main roles.png]] ![[Table 6.5 - Outsourcing Plan - Related Artefacts.png]] ## Outputs - [[Outsourcing Plan]] (PM2 Template) ___ Spanish Guide: [[6.5 Plan de Externalización]] <-- [[6.4.3 Project Schedule]] --> [[6.6 Deliverables Acceptance Plan]]