Integrated Master Plan (IMP)

An Integrated Master Plan (IMP) is an event-driven, top-level program planning document used in major defense acquisition programs that defines significant accomplishments (SAs), their associated success criteria (SC), and the program events that mark completion of each phase.

What is an Integrated Master Plan?

The IMP originated in DoD defense acquisition as a discipline for large, complex development programs where calendar-driven plans alone cannot capture the true state of program progress. Unlike a calendar schedule, the IMP is organized around accomplishments, definable, measurable outputs, and the criteria that must be met before the program can declare an event complete and move forward.

The IMP has three hierarchical levels: Program Events (PEs) at the top (such as System Requirements Review, Critical Design Review, and System Verification Review), Significant Accomplishments (SAs) under each event that define what must be produced to support the event, and Accomplishment Criteria (ACs) under each SA that specify the measurable evidence of completion.

The IMP integrates directly with the Integrated Master Schedule (IMS): each accomplishment and its criteria are scheduled in the IMS, and the IMP provides the logical framework that the IMS must satisfy. On programs requiring an EVMS, the IMP also aligns with the WBS, ensuring that every element of work is traceable from a program event through a significant accomplishment to a scheduled task with assigned resources.

The IMP is a contractual deliverable on most major DoD development programs and is reviewed during source selections as evidence of the contractor's planning maturity.

Why the IMP matters for government contractors

A well-constructed IMP demonstrates to the government that the contractor understands the full scope of technical work and has a logical event structure that will drive sound program management. In competitive source selections, the IMP is evaluated for logical structure, completeness, and alignment with the technical approach, a generic IMP with calendar-driven events rather than criteria-based accomplishments is a red flag.

Example

A prime contractor's IMP for a new unmanned aircraft program identifies Critical Design Review (CDR) as a program event. Under CDR, it defines seven Significant Accomplishments, completion of aerodynamics analysis, structural analysis, avionics integration specification, and four others. Each SA has three to five Accomplishment Criteria stating specifically what documents, test results, or analyses must exist and be approved before the SA can be declared complete. CDR is not "complete" until all SAs and their ACs are satisfied, regardless of calendar date.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between an IMP and an IMS?

The IMP defines what must be accomplished and the criteria for completion, it is event-driven and product-focused. The IMS is a time-phased network schedule that shows when each accomplishment and its criteria will be completed, with durations, dependencies, and resource assignments. The IMP is the logic; the IMS is the timeline.

Is an IMP required on all defense programs?

IMPs are typically required on Major Defense Acquisition Programs (MDAPs) and high-complexity development contracts. The Program Manager and MDA determine whether an IMP is required based on program complexity, risk, and dollar value. Smaller programs may use simpler event-driven planning tools without a formal IMP.

How does the IMP align with EVMS?

The IMP events drive the Integrated Master Schedule, which in turn drives the EVMS performance measurement baseline (PMB). Earned value is credited when accomplishment criteria are satisfied, not when calendar dates are reached. This criteria-based earning approach makes EVMS reporting more meaningful on complex development programs.

Who develops the IMP, the contractor or the government?

The contractor develops the IMP and the government reviews and approves it. For competitive source selections, the IMP submitted in the proposal is evaluated as evidence of program planning maturity. Post-award, the IMP is a living document that may be updated when program events change scope or sequence.