Gate B — Planning Gate.
Gate B approves the FD (Functional Document, Part B). It's the last decision in Assess, after the post-Gate-A BEARINGS cluster (N · G · S). Pass Gate B and the program moves into Generate.
Purpose
Confirm the delivery plan and measurement readiness before execution. Gate B is the "how are we going to build it?" decision. Requirements, non-functional requirements, interfaces, testing expectations, rollout plan, and measurement plan all have to be readable and approved before Sprint 0 can start.
Entry criteria
- Gate A is approved (BRD Part A signed).
- FD (Part B) drafted — requirements, NFRs, interfaces, reporting, testing expectations.
- Post-Gate-A BEARINGS worksheets complete: WS07 Strategy Table, WS08 Accountability, WS09 Decision Hierarchy, WS10 Evaluation Plan.
- Implementation planning drafted — strategy, accountability/RACI, decision hierarchy, evaluation plan.
Exit criteria
- Implementation planning complete (N/G/S worksheets finalized).
- FD signed and approved, with an evidence link captured.
- Backlog Definition of Ready met (top stories groomed, acceptance criteria clear).
- Planning Gate approval record exists.
Outputs
Authorization to begin Generate — Sprint 0 can start, blueprint production begins, delivery sprints get scheduled.
Who approves
PMO lead, with sign-off from the technical lead and the accountable executive identified in WS03 Stakeholder Analysis.