Erik will soon be working on his department's space delivery project. This kind of project begins with:

• A. Selecting a vendor
• B. Conducting risk assessment
• C. Approving the budget
• D. Defining the need

Answer: (D)

Starting a space delivery project with a clear definition of the need sets the foundation for everything that follows. It means specifying exactly what space is required, who will use it, what activities will happen there, and any timing or constraints. This defines the scope and the criteria you’ll use to judge success, helping ensure the project aligns with departmental goals and gives a solid basis for estimating costs. Only after the need is defined do you move on to more concrete steps like selecting a vendor, evaluating risks, or securing budget—each of those depends on knowing what you’re trying to achieve and what requirements must be met. Without defining the need first, decisions about vendors, risks, and funding can drift or miss the mark.