Key takeaways
- GAO lists logic, leads, lags, relationship types, hard constraints, high float, negative float, high duration, invalid dates, resources, missed tasks, critical-path test, critical-path length index, and baseline execution index.
- The measures screen structure and performance signals; they do not independently establish constructability, duration realism, contract compliance, acceptance, or forecast credibility.
What the fourteen points cover
GAO lists logic, leads, lags, relationship types, hard constraints, high float, negative float, high duration, invalid dates, resources, missed tasks, critical-path test, critical-path length index, and baseline execution index. Several measures use thresholds; for example, the cited legacy guidance used no more than five percent of remaining tasks missing predecessor or successor logic. A report should identify the exact definitions, filters, units, data date, and threshold set used.
Passing is not the same as good
The measures screen structure and performance signals; they do not independently establish constructability, duration realism, contract compliance, acceptance, or forecast credibility. Review the effect of each exception on the network, compare trends across controlled periods, and continue with scope, sequence, resource, status, narrative, and contractual review whether the numerical thresholds pass or fail.
Sources and scope
Follow the reference trail.
This guide is original educational commentary. Kairos reference records identify the source organizations, editions and scope behind this guidance. The original publishers retain their publications and rights.
Schedule Assessment Guide: Best Practices for Project SchedulesU.S. Government Accountability Office · checked 2026-08-01DoD Earned Value Management System Interpretation GuideU.S. Department of Defense · checked 2026-08-01