The Program Managers' Guide to the Integrated Baseline Review (IBR) Process was developed to improve the consistency of the overall IBR Process. This guide identifies the purpose of the IBR Process and conveys the need to make it a continuous process. This guide also integrates the IBR with risk management, within the framework of the IBR Process.

This handbook clearly defines the purpose, goals, and objectives of an Integrate Baseline Review. It also describes the attributes of an effective IBR and discusses a baseline review process that will lead to a better understanding of program risks. It provides a common definition and framework for the IBR Process. This process harmonizes, and to the extent possible, unifies the management objectives for all Program Managers. The IBR Process enables managers to effectively utilize the project Performance Measurement Baseline (PMB) to assess performance, and to better understand inherent risks.

This guide is the principal IBR reference and should be used to implement an integrated baseline discipline on any acquisition program. Program Managers are strongly encouraged to use this guide during IBR training, when preparing for an IBR, and then again during the actual execution and conduct of the IBR.