AgGateway 2012 1

Project Charter
[name of project]
[Governing Council]

Prepared by:
Creation date:
Last Revision date:
Anticipated start date:
Anticipated completion
date:

Date approved by MT:
Date approved by
Governing Council

Project Description
[Note: Remove this note and all notations in [ ] these notes are to help and guide you with the completion of the Project Charter. If
you have any questions or need further help completing this document, please contact Marilyn Hunter (916-833-5593 or email:
marilyn.hunter@aggateway.org) All project charters will need to be approved by AgGateways Management Team prior to approval by
the Council. Any changes made after the Council approval to Scope, Timeline, Deliverables or Costs will need to be re-approved by
that Governing Council. All approved charters should be signed and sent electronically to AgGateways Enabling Services Director,
Marilyn Hunter.]
Overview/Background
[Description of what business need(s) this project will solve; what has been done in the past; and how this
project will meet or solve the need(s) with this project]



Companies interested in starting project: [Indicate the companies that are working on creating this
charter and others that have shown high interest and high probability they will participate in the project]

Companies:













Project Coordinator
[project name] recognizes the importance of professional project management for the success of this project
and requests that AgGateway to arrange for [an AgGateway staff PM or name of desired project manager] to
manage this project.


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Project Sponsor(s) [identify a sponsor that will represent this project to the Council and AgGateway Board
executives from one or more of the companies that are/will participate in the project. A corporate level executive (such as
CEO, CFO, CIO, VP, etc.)]


Project Mission/Purpose
[Clearly define the mission or purpose of this project]


Goals & Objectives [The goals and objectives identify the important results that are expected from the successful
completion of the project]


Project Scope [this section helps to identify the size of this project (used for determining budget) what is in scope
and what is out of scope be sure to indicate what is out of scope]

In Scope



Out of Scope



Project High-Level Schedule

A summary of project milestones. [typically 4-5 high level milestones, but you can add additional rows if needed]
Milestones Target Date*







* Dates are subject to change.


Assumptions, Constraints, and Risks

Assumptions:


Constraints:


Risks:



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Critical Mass [this section describes the number of participants needed to conduct the project. If the
critical mass described in this paragraph is not achieved, then the project cannot go forward under this
charter. The definition of critical mass is required and is one component used to calculate the cost of
participation for each company involved.]



Pro Forma Operating Budget [Budgets are based on the scope, timeline and experience of other
projects.]

This budget is based on critical mass defined above.
Expense Category Amount
Project Management (includes travel) $
AgGateway Administrative Support $
Project Meetings $
Other Consultants/Fees $
Total Budget $

Each participants cost will be $_______; if critical is exceed then cost will be proportional reduced. [Should
also indicate if the participants are paying equal shares or if there is a tiered or phased payment method (such
as payments will be made in two annual payments)]

Project Management and Administration [Describes how the project will be administered
identifies which of the tools below will be used to communicate about this project]
1. Project Communication Overview
Project communications are intended to provide comprehensive information about project plans, status,
activities, and results.

2. Communications Schedule
The following communications will be maintained and distributed on a regular schedule:
Communication Distribution Schedule
Project Update in the
Newsletter
General Membership Quarterly
Project Update Council & Participants Monthly
Participants Update Project coordinator Monthly

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3. Project Dashboard [indicate whether a dashboard or scorecard will be use to monitor the project]



4. Issues Management [indicate how issues will be tracked and managed]




5. Success Criteria [this indicates how & what the project will measure this project to know whether it
has been successful- if the deliverables are not fully completed, would the group still consider it successful?]



6. Expectations from Participants [identifies what is expected from the participants some suggested
below]
Companies will Fully Participate in the [project name] (as described in this charter) by providing
financial and human resources within the timeline specified in this letter.
Companies agree to abide by AgGateway antitrust guidelines in all its activities.
Companies understands that [project name] participants will establish a [project name] Board
considering balance representation (Allied Providers, Distributors/Retailers and Manufacturers). The
[project name] Board will determine the need for and select any additional members and leadership for
the [project name] Project Board.
Companies will complete a project evaluation at the conclusion of the project as deemed by [project
name] Project Board.
Companies will remains a member in good standing with AgGateway and a subscriber to AGIIS
directory throughout the project
Companies agree not to share the information from this project with any companies other than the
participating companies without approval from the Project Board or as specified by AgGateway
management.


Project deliverables include: [what will this project produce as tangible deliverables]



Project Charter Approvals:
Industry Segment Council: _______________________
Date Approved by Industry Segment Council (ISC): ______________
ISC Governing Chairperson: _ ________________________________(print name)
__________________________________ (signature)

Email signed charter to: marilyn.hunter@aggateway.org or fax to Marilyn Hunter at 202-403-3441.