New Project Management Law

On 14 December 2016, President Barack Obama signed The Program Management Improvement and Accountability Act of 2015 (PMIAA) into law. This new law will improve United States federal government project and program management by: Creating a formal job series and career path for program and project managers; Developing a standards-based model for program and project management; Designating a senior executive responsible for project and program management policy and strategy; Leveraging an interagency council on program management to share best practices.
According to PMI research, only 64 percent of government strategic initiatives ever meet their goals and business intent — and government entities waste $101 million for every $1 billion spent on projects and programs. The reforms outlined in the PMIAA align with PMI member input that indicates organizations who invest in program management talent and standards improve outcomes, accountability and efficiency. The passage of PMIAA into law illustrates an acknowledgement of the value of project and program management by the United States government, and therefore lays an important groundwork as PMI continues to advocate for the profession in governments around the world.