State mission tasks and identify deficiencies. Perform a feasibility study to define the problem and alternative solutions. Obtain enough data to decide whether to continue into the Development Phase. Outline the application concept, and provide cost and benefit estimates. Since justifying the need for a system is a manager function, management participation in the Initiation Phase should be high.
Automated tools are available to assist in determining the validity of the project.
The following information components are products of the Initiation Phase. See DM 3200-2 for details on content. Please note that the asterisk indicates that the information must be present. Give enough information to show logically a need for the project. For example, the Project Request would state needs, impacts, cost, and a description of the proposed system.