Project Launch Authorization Template – Free Word Download

Project Launch Authorization Template – Free Word Download – Copy and Paste Wording Below

Introduction

The Project Launch Authorization is the formal “green light” that moves a project from the theoretical planning environment into the live execution environment. While the Charter gave the Project Manager permission to plan, and the Phase Gates validated the quality of those plans, the Launch Authorization is the final executive decree that says: “The business is now ready to incur significant cost and risk.”

In many ways, this document is a “Point of No Return.” Once authorized, the project will begin consuming the majority of its budget, hiring external contractors, and potentially disrupting existing business operations. Because of these high stakes, the authorization process must be rigorous and transparent. It is not enough to simply have a good plan; the organization must have the capacity to support that plan at this specific moment in time.

This template provides the structure for this final authorization. It consolidates the findings from the Readiness Checklist (Template 95) and the Planning Phase results into a single, high-impact document for the Sponsor’s signature. It covers the final commitment of funds, the confirmation of the “Execution Baseline” (the version of the plan we will measure against), and the formal “Go-Live” date for project activities.

Section 1: Execution Baseline Confirmation

Purpose of This Section

You cannot manage a project without a baseline. The baseline is the “snapshot” of the plan (Scope, Schedule, and Budget) that the team agrees to meet. This section records exactly which versions of the planning documents are being authorized.

Step-by-Step Guidance

Reference the specific, approved versions of the core planning artifacts.

1. The Scope Baseline:

  • Reference the approved Project Scope Statement and the Work Breakdown Structure (WBS).
  • Statement: “Execution is authorized based on the Scope Statement v2.0. Any deviation from this scope requires a formal Change Request.”

2. The Schedule Baseline:

  • Reference the approved Master Schedule.
  • Key Date: “The project is authorized to start Execution on [Date] with a projected completion date of [Date].”

3. The Cost Baseline:

  • Reference the final, detailed budget.
  • Statement: “The total execution budget is authorized at $ [Amount], including a management reserve of [X] %.”

Section 2: Resource and Team Commitment

Purpose of This Section

This section confirms that the people required to do the work are no longer “estimated” resources but are now “committed” resources.

Step-by-Step Guidance

1. Core Team Activation:

  • Confirm that the Core Team has been briefed and is available as per the schedule.
  • Verification: “All Functional Managers have confirmed the release of their staff for the durations specified in the Resource Plan.”

2. Procurement Readiness:

  • Confirm that the primary vendors are under contract.
  • Status: “Vendor contracts for [Company A] and [Company B] are signed and active. Onboarding is scheduled for week one.”

Section 3: Risk and Contingency Authorization

Purpose of This Section

Launching a project means launching into a world of uncertainty. This section ensures the Project Manager has the tools to handle trouble when it inevitably arrives.

Step-by-Step Guidance

1. Contingency Access:

  • Reiterate the rules for using the contingency fund.
  • Rule: “The Project Manager is authorized to draw up to [Amount] from the contingency fund for realized risks, with immediate notification to the Sponsor.”

2. Critical Risk Ownership:

  • Confirm that the “Top 5” risks have named owners who have accepted their responsibility.

Section 4: Communication and Stakeholder “Go-Live”

Purpose of This Section

The rest of the organization needs to know that the project is officially moving. This section governs the “Announcement” of the launch.

Step-by-Step Guidance

1. The Launch Announcement:

  • Who will send the email? (Ideally the Sponsor).
  • Content: “The announcement will be sent to [Distribution List] on [Date], detailing the project goals and the expected impact on business units.”

2. Stakeholder Engagement:

  • Confirm that the first set of “Project Status Reports” is scheduled.

Section 5: Formal Authorization Statement

Purpose of This Section

This is the binding legal/organizational core of the document.

The Statement

“I, the Project Sponsor, have reviewed the Project Readiness Checklist and the Integrated Project Plan. I am satisfied that the project is strategically aligned, financially viable, and operationally prepared.

I hereby authorize the Project Manager to proceed into the Execution phase. I commit the funds, resources, and executive support detailed in this document. This authorization remains valid until the next formal Phase Gate review or unless rescinded in writing.”

Section 6: Launch Sign-Off

Signature Block

Project Sponsor:

  • Signature: _______________________
  • Date: ____________________________

Project Manager:

  • Signature: _______________________
  • Date: ____________________________

Conclusion – Project Launch Authorization Template – Free Word Download

The Project Launch Authorization is the final seal of approval. It provides the Project Manager with the “Shield of Authority” needed to lead a high-performing team. By using this template, you ensure that the project begins its most difficult phase with the full, documented support of the organization’s leadership.

Meta Description:

The final formal “Go” signal for project execution. Consolidates baselines, commits resources, and authorizes the official start of live project activities.

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