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Enterprise Architecture Business Needs Analysis PBGC EA Approach The Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC) Enterprise Architecture (EA) Program follows the Architect-Invest-Implement paradigm. In the "Architect" phase, PBGC's Enterprise Architecture team uses the approved PBGC standards and processes to produce target state recommendations for business sponsors. During the "Invest" phase, the business sponsors and IT professionals work together, with support from the EA team, to conduct alternatives analysis and capital planning activities to submit IT Investment Exhibit 53 and 300s to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to obtain funding that aligns with target state recommendations.

Lastly, in the "Implement" phase, the funded solutions are implemented with guidance from the Standards and EA teams.

EA works in conjunction with the Program Management Office (PMO), IT Portfolio Division (ITPD) and many other partners to integrate strategic drivers, business requirements, and technology solutions to support planning and decision-making.

For additional information on the Business Needs Analysis Standard, please see out document located in the

PPL [PDF].

What is the Business Needs Analysis at PBGC?

PBGC has formally established a standard called the "Business Needs Analysis" to support the Architect-Invest- Implement paradigm. It defines the PBGC Segment Architecture Methodology (PSAM) and the PBGC architecture Analysis Methodology (PAAM). This methodology also establishes the information that should be provided in response to the small-scope analysis requests. Such requests are neither PSAM nor PAAM, because they both may be too heavy or unnecessary (e.g., will result in duplication of recent analysis effort) for the analysis scope.

What is Segment Architecture at PBGC?

Segment Architecture holistically looks at the processes, applications and data currently used in each functional area. The information gathered is used to define an optimal state of this functional area, develop a technical approach and deliver recommendations to achieve modernization. One Segment usually includes several business functions, multiple business processes that support the functions and all applications that are used to perform these processes.

Where does Segment Architecture fit in the context of PBGC?

Segment Architecture, in the context of PBGC’s ‘Architect-Invest-Implement’ cycle, occurs during the ‘Architect’ phase. Segment Architecture usually occurs at the beginning of your project before you request funding (invest) or execute (implement). The Segment Architecture essentially kicks off the process to get you the solutions you need. The architecture work done by EA informs CPIC’s investment process.

Attachment 1

What are the benefits of a Segment Architecture?

1. Segment Architecture provides content for Concept Proposals, Investment Synopses and OMB 300 business cases to justify funding.

1. Recommendations that drive IT Investment planning

2. Business case justification

2. Provides direct input and guidance to decrease effort and risk in Investment and Implementation Phases

1. Plans activities required to implement improvements

2. Target state definition with criteria, options, and other input for Market Research, Alternatives

Analysis, Cost-benefit Analysis, and Acquisition Package

3. Target business processes aligned with target technical state provide valuable input to Business

Process Re-engineering

4. Provides functional requirements to drive detailed design and implementation

What is Architectural Analysis at PBGC?

The PAAM is utilized for the architecture analysis efforts which are usually (but not always) smaller than those of PSAM. PAAM was developed internally in PBGC as a tool to address the observed needs and the lessons learned from OIT and business investments and implementation activates. PAAM allows flexible scope of the analyzed area and customizable set of requested artifacts. It can be used during any phase of the Architect- Invest-implement paradigm. Depending on the scope of changes needed in the existing segment architectures, individual PAAM efforts may also be initiated purely for the purpose of the segment refresh.

Where does Architectural Analysis fit in the context of PBGC?

Architectural Analysis, in the context of PBGC’s ‘Architect-Invest-Implement’ cycle, occurs during the ‘Architect’ phase. The effort usually occurs at the beginning of your project before you request funding (invest) or execute (implement). The Architectural Analysis essentially kicks off the process to get you the solutions you need. The architecture work done by EA informs CPIC’s investment process.