Note the process for submitting schedule variation proposals to project budgets has changed.

Schedule variation proposals to project budgets will be reviewed on a quarterly basis by our Science Committee and Executive Management Team.

All completed schedule variation proposals must be received by the CRCNPB Canberra office by COB on the following dates:

• 15 January 2010
• 31 March 2010
• 30 June 2010
• 30 September 2010

All schedule variation proposals for changes to any other contracted specifications (i.e. project team members or project duration) which do not require a budget change can be forwarded to the relevant program leader as required.

For more information on the schedule variation process, see the frequently asked questions page. [1]

Contract Schedule Variation Process

Schedule variations are required when there is a change to:

• a project budget (either financial or in-kind)
• contracted dates (project milestones or project end date)
• contracted project parties, or
• any other changes (i.e. project leader change). 

How to submit a schedule variation request?

• Communicate the proposed variation to all project team members.
• Download and complete the schedule variation form [2].
• Email completed schedule variation template to the relevant program leader.
• Program leader must approve schedule variation request and forward to the Canberra office for review.

How is my schedule variation reviewed?

All schedule variation proposals are reviewed by the Science Committee and Executive Management Team against the following criteria:

1. Strategic Objectives – Does the project address a Commonwealth Milestone that is not met by any other project?
2. Progress Report – What progress score has the project achieved over the last two quarters?
3. Performance – Has the project met contracted milestones on time?
4. Delivery – Can the project deliver what was originally planned with the current budget or is an additional budget required to achieve greater results (i.e. new opportunity to add value to investment)
5. Impact – Will the proposed variation enhance the impact of this project?
6. Previous schedule variations approved – Has the project had previous variations approved by the CRCNPB?

If the schedule variation proposal is approved a variation letter will be forwarded to each project organisation for their acknowledgement.

Once all signed variations have been returned to the CRCNPB Canberra office, notification of the approval will be forwarded to the relevant program and project leader.

Our project management system, iMap, will be updated to reflect the schedule variation changes and a scanned copy of the variation will be uploaded under the ‘documents’ tab.

Any questions about the schedule variation process can be forwarded to support@crcplantbiosecurity.com.au [3]