The start-up standards focus attention on this critical, and often challenging, phase of the project management cycle. When start-up is poorly planned or executed, it affects the entire project. CRS teams often wait too long to initiate project start-up planning and activities. As a result, many projects are “late out of the gate,” and have trouble completing activities per the schedule set out in the proposal.
The CRS project management standards encourage a new understanding of “start-up,” particularly for donor-funded projects. While the timing of start-up will differ depending on the funding opportunity and project context, the standards emphasize early, timely start-up—both for CRS and our partners—complementing the emphasis in the design phase standards on developing activity schedules with realistic timeframes for project start-up.
WHEN DOES START-UP START?
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For projects where there is a very high win probability (i.e., non‑competitive, solicited proposals), start-up activities can begin shortly after proposal submission.
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For competitive proposals, certain start‑up activities may begin prior to any formal notification from the donor, if CRS is confident of winning or if other considerations necessitate initiating pre-notification start-up planning.
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For highly competitive proposals where CRS’ win probability is low, start-up activities might begin only after formal notification from the donor of an intent to fund (i.e., during the award negotiation).
KEY MEETINGS AND EVENTS DURING START-UP
Get an overview of key meetings and events during project start-up with this guide to Navigating the Project Start-up Journey.
Download the After-action review guidance for the CRS project cycle to reflect on achievement against the project management standards at the end of the start-up phase.
S6 |
STANDARD 6: Early transition and start-up planning (including pre-award). |
S7 |
STANDARD 7: Realistic and participatory detailed implementation planning for program impact. |
S8 |
STANDARD 8: Timely and comprehensive project financial set-up. |
S9 |
STANDARD 9: Proactive recruitment and onboarding for timely start-up. Staff the project in time with the right people using recruitment and orientation best practices. |
S10 |
STANDARD 10: Laying the foundations for effective donor engagement and accountability. Lay the foundations for successful donor engagement throughout the project. |