This article will help you understand and navigate the process of updating, completing, or discontinuing a project. You'll learn how to initiate a modification, select the appropriate change type, provide justifications for your updates, and understand the approval workflow.
Only internal CMEI users can initiate a project modification. Once you start the process, labs can make necessary edits. Keep in mind that your project must be in either an Approved or Mod-Approved status to begin. Projects that are Approved are read-only and are locked by default until you initiate a modification.
STEP 1: Initiate a Modification
To begin, find your project and start the modification process:
From the Lab Planning Home page, locate your specific project.
Click the dropdown menu next to your project and select Edit.
From the Manage Project dropdown, choose Initiate Modification.
Remember: You can only initiate a modification if the project's status is already Approved or Mod-Approved.
STEP 2: Select the Type of Change You Need to Make
Clearly define what you want to do with your project. The type of change you select will update your project's status accordingly:
Project Modification: Choose this if you need to update or revise an existing project. The project's status will change to Mod at HQ/Lab.
Project Complete: Select this when all deliverables and tasks for your project are finished. The project's status will change to Completed.
Project Discontinued: Use this option if your project needs to be terminated before it's completed. The project's status will change to Discontinued.
If you select Project Complete or Project Discontinued, an additional field will appear:
Project End Date: Manually enter the end date or select it using the calendar icon.
STEP 3: Explain Your Changes
Provide a clear explanation for why you are making this modification and what specific changes are involved. This helps reviewers understand your request:
Rationale for Change: Clearly explain the reason behind this modification. What problem are you solving? Why is this change necessary?
Description of Change: Provide specific details about what is being changed or updated in the project. What exactly is different?
STEP 4: Submit Your Request
Once you've provided all the necessary information, submit your changes for review and approval:
Click Submit to finalize your request and send it into the approval workflow.
What Happens After You Submit Your Modification
After you submit, your modification enters an approval process:
The project status will update to Pending Mod Approval.
Your modification will be routed to the CMEI Project Lead, Office Admin, and Office Director for their review and approval.
A reviewer will either:
Approve the modification: The project status will become Mod-Approved, and a new version of your project will be created.
Cancel the modification: You will receive a notification with instructions on how to revise your request and resubmit it.
All updates and status changes throughout this process are recorded in the Change History of your project.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why can't I initiate a modification for my project? You can only initiate a modification if your project is in an "Approved" or "Mod-Approved" status. If your project is in a different status, you won't see the option to initiate a modification. Contact your CMEI Project Lead if you believe the status is incorrect.
2. What happens if my modification is canceled by a reviewer? If a reviewer cancels your modification, you will receive a notification explaining why. You will then need to revise your proposed changes based on their feedback and resubmit the modification for approval.
3. How will I know when my modification is approved? Once your modification is approved, the project status will change to "Mod-Approved" and a new version of your project will be created, reflecting your updates. All status changes are recorded in the project's Change History.
4. Can I modify a project that has been marked "Complete" or "Discontinued"? Once a project is marked "Complete" or "Discontinued," it is generally considered final. If you believe there has been an error or you need to reactivate a project, you will need to contact your CMEI Project Lead or Office Admin to discuss possible options, as direct modification via this process would not be available.
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