Authorization
Sponsor sign-off, funding reference, and formal approval statements that permit the project to commence and allocate resources.
A consistent launch template reduces confusion, speeds alignment, and creates a single source of truth for project scope, schedule, and responsibilities. It improves traceability across stakeholders and supports auditability when combined with an eSignature and versioning workflow.
Project managers, sponsors, and functional leads usually prepare the launch template to ensure all parties agree on scope and deliverables before execution.
The template also serves as a reference for PMOs, change managers, and contract administrators who track approvals and baseline changes.
Sponsor sign-off, funding reference, and formal approval statements that permit the project to commence and allocate resources.
Clear statement of included deliverables, exclusions, and acceptance criteria to reduce scope ambiguity during execution and change control.
High-level milestones, target dates, and critical dependencies that form the baseline for schedule tracking and stakeholder reporting.
Assigned responsibilities and a RACI matrix for key activities so decision authority and accountabilities are explicit.
Initial budget allocation, major cost categories, assumptions, and contingencies tied to the approval authority referenced above.
Top project risks with owners, mitigation steps, and key assumptions that may affect schedule, cost, or scope.
| Field | Configuration |
|---|---|
| Signer Order | Sequential: PM → Sponsor → Finance approver |
| Authentication | Email + optional SMS code for critical approvals |
| Notifications | Automatic reminders at 3 and 7 days |
| Attachments | Allow PDFs and DOCX up to specified size |
Choose delivery channels that preserve the signed record, support audit logs, and match organizational security policies.
Complete initial draft within five business days of project authorization
Allow three to five business days for review and feedback
Target sponsor sign-off within seven business days after circulation
Publish approved baseline within one business day of final signature
Hold project kickoff within three business days after baseline publication
Compile scope, budget, and assumptions into the template.
Circulate to stakeholders for comments and required changes.
Obtain signatures from PM, sponsor, and finance approver.
Store the signed baseline and notify delivery teams.
The Project Manager signs to accept operational responsibility for execution and delivery. This signature confirms that the plan reflects resource estimates and timelines the team will use to manage work and report status.
The Sponsor signs to authorize funding, confirm strategic alignment, and provide formal approval to proceed. Sponsor approval ties corporate accountability to the project baseline and budget.
| signNow | DocuSign | Adobe Sign | PandaDoc | HelloSign | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $8/user/mo | $15/user/mo | $14/user/mo | $19/user/mo | $15/user/mo |
| Free Trial | 7-day free trial | Varies by vendor | Varies by vendor | Varies by vendor | Varies by vendor |
| Bulk Send | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Audit Trail | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| HIPAA Compliant | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |