Overview of the 6-Step Process
The 6-Step Process used for all projects on the I-70 Mountain Corridor was developed to ensure collaboration. It is consistent with Decision Science principles and can be followed for all decisions from corridor-wide planning to construction change orders.
"Tell me, I'll forget. Show me, I may remember. But involve me and I'll understand."
- Chinese Proverb
The 6-Step Process is the starting point for all projects on the I-70 Mountain Corridor, and it is used to ensure collaboration. The 6-Step Process is consistent with Decision Science principles and can be followed on all projects from corridor-wide planning to construction change orders. Established plans, such as emergency plans, do not require that implementation decisions use the 6-Step Process.
The 6 Steps are:
Step 1: Define Desired Outcomes and Actions
Using the CSS Guidance and other relevant materials, this step establishes the project goals and actions. It also defines the terms to be used and decisions to be made.
This step establishes participants, roles, and responsibilities for each team. The process is endorsed by discussing, possibly modifying, and then finalizing with all teams the desired outcomes and actions to be taken.
This step establishes criteria, which provides the basis for making decisions consistent with the desired outcomes and project goals. The criteria measure support for the Core Values for the I-70 Mountain Corridor.
Step 4: Develop Alternatives or Options
The Project Staff works with the Project Leadership Team, stakeholders, and the public to identify alternatives or options relevant to the desired outcomes, project-specific vision, and goals.
Step 5: Evaluate, Select, and Refine Alternative or Option
The process of analyzing and evaluating alternatives applies the criteria to the alternatives or options in a way that facilitates decision making. This may be a one-step or multi-step process depending on the complexity of the alternatives and the decision.
Step 6: Finalize Documentation and Evaluate Process
Documentation should be continuous throughout the process. Final documentation will include each of the previous steps, final recommendations, and the process evaluation.
These steps are intended to provide a clear and repeatable process that is fair and understandable. The order of the steps is as important as the activities within each step.
