Performance Measurement Baseline(PMB)
The time-phased budget plan for accomplishing all work, serving as the baseline for earned value management measurement.
Overview
The Performance Measurement Baseline (PMB) is the time-phased budget plan against which contract performance is measured in an Earned Value Management System. It integrates the scope of work, schedule, and budget into a single baseline that enables objective measurement of cost and schedule variances throughout contract execution.
Why It Matters in GovCon
The PMB is the foundation of earned value reporting on major contracts. Contractors must establish a credible PMB that withstands government scrutiny during Integrated Baseline Reviews. An unrealistic baseline undermines the value of EVM data and erodes agency confidence in program execution.
Key Details
- Components: The PMB equals the sum of all work package budgets plus planning packages, distributed over time.
- Management Reserve: Budget held outside the PMB for unforeseen within-scope work; not included in the baseline.
- Change Control: Formal baseline change requests are required to modify the PMB after IBR acceptance.
- ANSI/EIA-748: The standard defining EVM system requirements, including baseline management.
- Variance Thresholds: Agencies set thresholds (typically ±10%) for cost and schedule variances that trigger reporting.
Related Terms
- Earned Value Management (EVM)
- Integrated Baseline Review (IBR)
- Work Breakdown Structure (WBS)
- Management Reserve
More Programs Terms
An SBA program that helps small businesses owned by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals compete for federal contracts.
A subcategory of WOSB for women-owned small businesses where the owners are also economically disadvantaged, eligible for additional sole-source contracts.
An SBA program that gives preferential access to federal contracts for small businesses located in economically distressed areas.
A program pairing large experienced contractors with small businesses to help them build capabilities through joint ventures, subcontracting, and technical assistance.
A small business at least 51% owned and controlled by one or more veterans with a service-connected disability, eligible for federal set-aside contracts.
A small business at least 51% owned and controlled by one or more women, eligible for federal set-aside contracts in underrepresented industries.
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