Sdlcpol

U.S. House of Representatives

Systems Development Life-Cycle Policy

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

This document provides an overview of the Systems Development Life-Cycle (SDLC) process of the U.S. House of Representatives. The SDLC process consists of seven tailored phases that help manage a wide range of activity to conduct projects or automate House activities with information technology. SDLC is not limited to technical activity but actually begins with customer needs and evolves through processes and user requirements to develop a solution or support process. A detailed explanation of SDLC procedures is outlined in a separate document and provides guidance, templates, checklists, and examples for successful implementation of this policy. The primary objective of implementing a standardized SDLC policy is to provide coordinated excellent service, at reduced costs, to support the activity of customers and users within the House community. This concept is shown as:

User Needs Customers SDLC Process (7 phases) Information Product or Service

The first section of the policy explains the purpose, background, and basic systems development concepts in order to establish a context for policy description. The systems development methodology, project management practices, and management controls make up the SDLC environment to which this policy applies. The SDLC phase concept is further explained to ensure the policy or “ground rules” is understandable by individuals other than technology specialists. A simplified and common framework for implementing SDLC will improve communications and promote coordination across projects throughout the House community. The seven phases of SDLC are:

Project Definition User Requirements Definition System/Data Requirements Definition Analysis and Design

System Build/Prototype/Pilot Implementation and Training Sustainment

The second section of the policy explains selected key terms, describes the SDLC concept, and describes each...