Project Summary
One-paragraph description of objectives, customer or stakeholder need, and intended outcome. Include scope boundaries and measurable success criteria to avoid ambiguity during approval.
Using a standardized evaluation reduces subjective judgment, clarifies resource trade-offs, and creates an auditable record of decisions. It improves alignment between sponsors, project managers, and finance by documenting assumptions, success criteria, and key risks in one place.
Project managers, business analysts, PMO staff, and sponsoring executives most commonly prepare or review opportunity evaluations to support prioritization and funding decisions.
Reviewers should confirm the evaluation aligns with organizational strategy and that cost/benefit assumptions are documented and reproducible.
One-paragraph description of objectives, customer or stakeholder need, and intended outcome. Include scope boundaries and measurable success criteria to avoid ambiguity during approval.
High-level total cost estimate with line items for labor, materials, third-party services, and contingency. State assumptions and confidence level (e.g., +/- 25%).
List required roles, estimated FTEs, and any external contractors or vendors. Identify skill gaps and lead times that affect schedule feasibility.
Top-level milestone dates, critical path assumptions, and an estimated duration. Note dependencies on external approvals or supplier deliveries.
Top 5 risks with likelihood and impact ratings plus mitigation plans. Quantify potential cost or schedule exposure when possible.
A clear ask to approvers (fund, defer, or reject) with rationale tied to strategic objectives and financial metrics such as NPV, payback, or prioritized score.
| Field | Configuration |
|---|---|
| Approval Order | Sponsor → PMO → Finance |
| Authentication Level | Email link or SMS code for external signers |
| Routing Rules | Conditional routing based on estimated cost thresholds |
| Notification Triggers | Reminders at 48 and 24 hours before due date |
Choose a platform that supports secure signing, audit trails, and integration with your document repository or PMIS.
Ensure the chosen provider meets any regulatory requirements for your industry and retains an immutable audit trail for compliance and internal recordkeeping.
Submit evaluation at least 10 business days before the funding review
PMO and finance review within 5 business days
Sponsor approves or rejects within 3 business days
Client sign-off requested within 7 business days if applicable
Begin work only after approvals and required signatures are complete
Document the request and initial scope assumptions for review.
Estimate costs, schedule, and resource needs; draft risk register.
Sponsor and PMO approve, defer, or reject based on documented criteria.
Finalize contract and secure signatures to begin procurement or execution.
| 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 trial | Varies | Varies | Varies | Varies |
| Bulk Send | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Audit Trail | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| HIPAA Compliant | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |