EV with FY Budget

[Doug]

I have a master schedule that uses two companies as their main contractors.
Each contractor is given a FY budget that can span 3yrs (FY05,06,07)
In some instances, both contractors work on the same activity and there may
be up to 2 FY of budget for each contractor on that one activity. Also, the
costs associated with an activity are fixed.

I would like to know if there are any "best demonstrated practices" for
doing an analysis of EV for a given FY by each contractor. Right now I have
the activity broken down by FY (ie Build widget FY06, Build widget FY07) I
know this is an ugly way to schedule activities. I have thought about
creating Generic Resources based on FY for each contractor, but this isn't
truly accomplishing my goal.

Thanks for any help!!

 

[John]

I have a master schedule that uses two companies as their main contractors.
Each contractor is given a FY budget that can span 3yrs (FY05,06,07)
In some instances, both contractors work on the same activity and there may
be up to 2 FY of budget for each contractor on that one activity. Also, the
costs associated with an activity are fixed.

I would like to know if there are any "best demonstrated practices" for
doing an analysis of EV for a given FY by each contractor. Right now I have
the activity broken down by FY (ie Build widget FY06, Build widget FY07) I
know this is an ugly way to schedule activities. I have thought about
creating Generic Resources based on FY for each contractor, but this isn't
truly accomplishing my goal.

Thanks for any help!!

Doug,
There are probably various ways to do a fiscal year plan. Here is one
suggestion. First, go to Tools/Options/Calendar tab and set the "Fiscal
year starts in" month. Also set Tools/Options/Schedule tab for a "Fixed
Duration" default task type. Then lay in the tasks in the normal fashion
but break up any tasks that cross the fiscal year boundary. For example,
let's say the fiscal year starts in October and there is a 2 month task
that starts September 1st. Rather than setting up a single task to go
from 9/1/0X through 10/31/0X, break it into two pieces so the first part
ends on 9/30/0X and the second part starts on 10/1/0X.

If all the activities are fixed cost, the only resources are contractor
"A" and contractor "B". Those can be identified on the Resource Sheet
strictly by name (i.e. no rate or cost/use). Assign them to each task
with zero hours work. You will only be using the assignment to show who
is working on what. The cost will be spread according to the value in
the Fixed Cost field (prorated is the default).

Do earned value in the normal way. The Resource Usage view should give
you the information you need since it will be by contractor (resource)
and by fiscal year.

Hope this helps.
John
Project MVP