This document establishes the management system for processes, requirements, and responsibilities for implementing NASA Policy Directive (NPD) 7120.4, Program/Project Management. This management system governs the formulation, approval, implementation, and evaluation of all Agency programs and projects established to Provide Aerospace Products and Capabilities (PAPAC). It is intended to support safe accomplishment of the NASA programs and projects, consistent with established Agency strategic planning, on schedule, and within budget, while satisfying the success criteria and requirements of multiple stakeholders and customers.

NPG 71xx.x, Systems Engineering Processes and Requirements. This document establishes the processes and requirements for performing systems engineering on NASA programs and projects. It provides a consistent basis for achieving identified technical products and for developing the technical information required to support the management and decision processes of NPG 7120.4, Program /Project Management, and NPG7120.5, Program and Project Management Processes and Requirements.

This NPG provides implementation guidance for application of the earned value management system criteria to NASA contracts. The NPG is applicable to NASA Headquarters and NASA Centers, including Component Facilities, and to the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) to the extent specified in the contract.

It is NASA policy to apply Earned Value Management (EVM) to NASA contracts to ensure that contractor management systems provide the contractor and the Government Program and Project Managers with accurate data from which to make responsible management decisions. EVM is a commonly used performance measurement tool that integrates cost, schedule, and technical performance to enable effective program planning and control.