NEW Recommended Practices:

133R-23: Using Decision Analysis Methodologies to Enhance Decision Quality

This recommended practice (RP) of AACE International defines the use of the discipline of decision analysis (DA) to structure, analyze, and generate stakeholder decision buy-in and commitment to important organizational decisions, whether made by a team, group or individual. It illustrates how modern decision analysis methods can be applied broadly to making decisions on projects, programs, and at the enterprise level in the presence of uncertainty.

Application of DA is intended to assure decision quality (DQ). DQ embodies DA concepts and processes that help assure both effectiveness and efficiency in analyzing decision problems, as well as organizational commitment to action around the best expected course of action. This RP encases DA methods in the DQ envelope throughout and provides a specific section giving an overview of DQ processes that can lead to high-quality decisions.

This document is intended to provide a guideline for decision support analysts that most practitioners would consider to be good practices that can be relied on and that they would recommend be considered for use where applicable. The document is intended to be a complement to AACE’s Total Cost Management Framework, Section 3.3 and Chapter 4, which embeds DA within TCM, and which includes helpful further discussion of DA and methods.

All RPs are free for members. There is a $100 fee per RP for non-members.

NEW Recommended Practices:

125R-22: Developing Work Packages and Planning Packages in Support of Performance Management

This recommended practice (RP) discusses control accounts (CAs) at a high level and describes the purpose, development, and management of both work packages (WP) and planning packages (PP) in support of performance management in any project or contract environment. This RP also discusses some basic background for work package design development and execution, which is based on the decomposition of project scope elements as defined in the statement of work (SOW). The RP’s recommendations apply to projects as described but can be used similarly for programs.

This RP provides guidance regarding the development and use of a project budget. This includes the use of control accounts that are subdivided into WPs as well as PPs. The RP presents typical examples for a WP. The RP also recommends that, to the extent practical, all work should be divided into work packages using dollars, hours, or other measurable units. Work packages are developed and used for engineering, procurement, installation, etc. If this is not feasible for far-term activities, planning packages should be created for budget and scheduling purposes.

Progress is compiled and summarized at the control account level, with the control accounts typically sub‐subdivided into smaller packages for measuring, analyzing, and reporting on the actual work completed. Budgets for near-term discrete work will be included through work packages in terms of monetary amounts or hours with far-term effort included in planning packages. The sum of the work packages and planning packages within a control account must equal the overall approved control account budget. Work package authorization should be obtained before work begins through a clearly defined process identifying the responsible manager, the time frame of the work package/control account, and the resources necessary to complete the work. This work package authorization is typically done via a work authorization document or similar document. This RP’s section on work package authorization includes an example of a work authorization document, which should be formatted following the organization’s guidance and procedures.

All RPs are free for members. There is a $100 fee per RP for non-members.

Spotlight on RP 26R-21:

Developing or Revising a Scheduling Specification

Join AACE for the latest RP Spotlight webinar: Spotlight on RP 63R-11 - Risk Treatment. The webinar will be held on 26 August at 11:00 AM (Eastern US).

This session features presenters: Justin Jacobson, PRMP PSP and will be hosted by David Emanuel.The RP Spotlight webinar is generously sponsored by Riskonnect.

Attendees will earn 0.1 CEUs. Registration is free, but required.

2026 Conference & Expo - We're Celebrating 70 Years!

Make plans to join AACE at its 70th Conference & Expo (formerly Annual Meeting) at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas from 28-30 June 2026.

We will be celebrating AACE's 70th Anniversary. If you have any photographs or historical information on AACE International that you would like to share for potential inclusion in our celebration, please send us an email.

myAACE:

AACE's online community platform

myAACE is AACE’s online community platform, where members connect, collaborate, and share insights across all areas of cost engineering and project controls. Explore these top discussions and join the conversation:

* ‎Data Science & Advanced Analytics Community: AI Document Repository

* Decision & Risk Management Community: Challenge the Project Performance Negativity

* Open Forum Community: Loading equipment resources in P6

New Member Profile:

Darya Stanskova

Darya Stanskova tells us why she joined AACE: "Now living in the US, I want to build professional connections, exchange knowledge, and learn from the best. AACE provides access to current standards, peer insights, and development tools. I also value the certification opportunities—in cost estimation, risk management, planning, and controls—which help structure and validate my experience."

Section Bulletin

Check out the latest updates from the Section Leaders at the Conference & Expo, in the Section Bulletin on AACE's Source.

Is your section missing? If so, submit updates to be included in the next Section Bulletin update!