Project Management Feasibility Agreement
What a Project Management Feasibility Agreement Is
Why organizations use a Feasibility Agreement
The agreement reduces ambiguity, allocates responsibilities for analysis, and documents criteria that determine whether to advance the project. It helps control scope creep, sets evaluation milestones, and protects proprietary information during the feasibility review.
Who typically prepares and signs this agreement
Several project stakeholders commonly use or complete a Project Management Feasibility Agreement depending on project size and industry.
- Project Sponsors and Owners — Authorize the feasibility study, provide funding, and approve objectives.
- Project Managers and PMO — Draft scope, coordinate data collection, and manage timelines.
- Consultants and Contractors — Deliver technical analysis, resource estimates, and feasibility reports.
Signatories should be individuals with authority to commit resources and accept the feasibility deliverables on behalf of their organization.
Step-by-step: completing the agreement
-
01Gather Information: Collect project objectives, budgets, and existing data.
-
02Define Scope: Specify the feasibility tasks, deliverables, and acceptance criteria.
-
03Assess Risks: Identify technical, schedule, and cost risks to evaluate.
-
04Execute Signatures: Obtain authorized signatures and date the agreement.
Configuring an online workflow for the agreement
| Field | Configuration |
|---|---|
| Signer Order | Define sequential or parallel signing as required |
| Authentication | Use email link or SMS code for signer verification |
| Conditional Fields | Show fields only when related options are selected |
| Storage Location | Save completed PDFs to secure cloud or records system |
Technical and integration considerations
Confirm platform compatibility and required integrations before starting the electronic workflow.
- Integrations: Salesforce, NetSuite, Microsoft 365 supported
- File formats: PDF, DOCX, and HTML upload supported
- Authentication: Email, SMS, and advanced auth options
Choose a platform that meets recordkeeping, audit-trail, and access-control needs; ensure API or native integration to reduce manual filing and to store signed agreements in the authoritative repository.
Typical electronic signing flow
-
Upload: Sender uploads agreement and places fields.
-
Invite: Send email link or sharing link to signers.
-
Authenticate: Signer verifies identity via chosen method.
-
Complete: Signed copies and audit trail are generated.
Common timing and deadline considerations
Effective Date:
Date when feasibility obligations begin (MM/DD/YYYY)
Milestone Deadlines:
Specify due dates for each deliverable
Review Period:
Allow a set review window after each deliverable
Extension Procedures:
Define how and when deadlines may be extended
Record Retention Start:
Retention periods typically begin on effective or completion date
Common mistakes to avoid when preparing the agreement
- Vague scope descriptions that omit exclusions and measurable acceptance criteria lead to disputes and extra cost to resolve scope questions.
- Failing to name signatories with authority can invalidate the agreement or require re-execution by authorized personnel, delaying the feasibility phase.
- Missing a clear deliverables schedule or acceptance tests increases the risk of missed milestones and subjective sign-off disagreements.
- Not addressing confidentiality or data access upfront can expose proprietary information and complicate vendor evaluation or due diligence.
Risks and potential consequences of errors
How different organizations use feasibility agreements
Optica Ventures — COO
Optica used a feasibility agreement to standardize initial scope and data sharing
- The interface supported quick approvals
- The result was clearer client expectations and fewer scope changes during proposal-to-contract conversion, improving turnaround on decisions.
Martin Properties — Founder
Martin Properties used the agreement for property redevelopment planning
- Mobile signing enabled remote execution
- They processed feasibility tasks end-to-end with secure, auditable signatures and reduced on-site meetings while maintaining compliance.
Frequently asked questions and quick answers
-
Is an electronic signature legally valid?
Yes. Electronic signatures are legally valid for most transactions under the federal ESIGN Act (15 U.S.C. §7001) and state UETA provisions. Exceptions apply for certain testamentary or court-ordered documents.
-
Do feasibility agreements require notarization?
Usually no for standard commercial feasibility agreements, but documents that must be recorded or that transfer interests (e.g., deeds) often require notarization under state law. Verify with your state registrar.
-
Who must sign the agreement?
An authorized signatory who can bind the organization should sign. If uncertain, obtain a board resolution or written delegation of authority to avoid later challenges to signature validity.
-
How do I amend an executed agreement?
Amendments should be in writing, reference the original agreement, and be signed by the same authorized parties. Use clear effective dates and retain both versions to show the amendment history.
-
How long must I keep the executed agreement?
Retain the agreement for the active term plus applicable post-termination periods; IRS records generally require a minimum of 3 years (IRC §6501(a)); HIPAA records require 6 years (45 CFR §164.530(j)).
-
What if a signer's name or title is incorrect?
Incorrect names or missing titles can raise enforceability questions. Correct by executing a formal amendment or re-execution by an authorized representative to create a clear audit trail.