This recommended practice (RP) provides an outline and describes a format for the various elements of information that may be included in the schedule basis document. This RP describes the important elements of schedule information that may be included to document the basis and assumptions of this project management tool. This recommended practice includes a checklist in the appendix that can be used to confirm that all elements of the basis document have been considered.

The schedule basis is a document that defines the basis for the development of the project schedule and assists the project team and stakeholders in identifying any key elements, issues and special considerations (assumptions, exclusions, risks/ opportunities, etc.). The project schedule represents the complete logical time-phased representation of the project plan. The schedule basis document may accompany the submittal of the project baseline schedule.

The schedule basis further substantiates the confidence and degree of completeness of the project schedule in order to support change management, reconciliation, and analysis. This document also doubles as a tool for assisting any personnel who are transitioning into the project and may be used in claims situations to illustrate a change of scope.

This AACE International recommended practice is intended to provide a guideline, not to establish a standard for documenting the schedule basis for the planning of projects. This recommended practice is written and intended primarily for use on construction projects by the project team members and stakeholders involved in the planning and scheduling of the project work activities. These RP guidelines may be applicable to many other types of projects. The focus of this recommended practice is on documenting the necessary elements of the schedule basis.

Many project individuals and groups contribute to the planning and development of the project schedule. By documenting the schedule basis, the project team captures the coordinated project schedule development process, which is by nature unique for most construction projects. This improves the final quality and adds value to the project baseline schedule, which serves as the time management navigation tool to guide the project team toward successful project completion. The schedule basis also is an important document used to identify changes during the schedule change management process.

The requirement to document the basis of the schedule has been an established procedure for several years with many large corporations, and some federal agencies[4]. This recommended practice describes the important elements of schedule information that may be included to document the basis and assumptions of this project management tool.