Subject:
Project Approval Lifecycle (PAL) and Project Delivery Lifecycle (PDL) Pathway Options
References:
State Administrative Manual (SAM) 4800 Series and 4900 Series
State Information Management Manual (SIMM) 19 and 45
Technology Letter (TL) 25-01
Executive Order (EO) N-12-25
Background
The California Department of Technology (CDT) released the Project Delivery Lifecycle (PDL) in February 2025 through Technology Letter (TL) 25-01 as part of the statewide reforms to the Information Technology (IT) project approval and oversight process supporting Executive Order (EO) N-12-25. As documented in Statewide Information Management Manual (SIMM) Section 19H, the PDL emphasizes flexibility, commitment, and accountability. It applies an iterative planning and execution model that guides state entities in clarifying business needs to implement solutions that best meet their goals. There are no changes to the Project Approval Lifecycle (PAL) under the EO and statewide reforms.
Purpose:
CDT is updating how departments get IT projects approved. Instead of one process for everyone, there are now two flexible pathways:
- Project Approval Lifecycle (PAL): The established process, in place since 2017, for IT projects requiring rigorous, structured planning and oversight, as detailed in SIMM 19A–G.
- Project Delivery Lifecycle (PDL): A new process will be launched in the 4th quarter of the calendar year, for IT projects using a flexible, scalable, and iterative approach to planning and execution, as detailed in SIMM 19H.
What this means for you: When you’re scoping a new IT project, CDT will work directly with your department early in the process to understand what you’re trying to achieve, your business outcomes, timeline, complexity, and any constraints specific to your project. Based on that conversation, CDT will help guide you to the approval path that best fits your needs, so your project can move forward as efficiently as possible.
One thing applies no matter which path you pick: Everyone must use the updated SIMM 45 Complexity Assessment, regardless of the path. This is the one consistent step across all project types, and CDT can help you work through it as part of the same consultation.
Questions:
Direct questions regarding this Technology Letter to the Department of Technology, Office of Statewide Project Delivery at projectoversight@state.ca.gov.
Signature:
On file
Chris Given, State CIO and Director
California Department of Technology