Surveillance
Government Standards
Reviewed by forProject Technology - updated Sep 2026
Quick definition: Surveillance is the recurring, independent review process -- typically performed by the Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA) -- that checks a company's EVM system for continuing compliance with ANSI/EIA-748 and its own written system documentation.
Unlike a one-time system validation, Surveillance happens on an ongoing basis after a company's EVMS has already been accepted, confirming the system is still being applied as documented. It's normally conducted by DCMA, though other independent parties can perform this role depending on the contract.
Why it matters
Surveillance protects confidence that the contract cost and schedule data being reported is actually reliable, not just compliant on paper at one point in time. A finding of non-compliance during surveillance can lead to corrective action plans or, in serious cases, disapproval of the EVM system.
Also known as
N/A
Used in
Defense Contract Management Agency; EVMS Guidelines
See also
FAQ
Who normally performs EVMS surveillance?
Normally the Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA), acting as an independent party on behalf of the government.
How is Surveillance different from the initial system Validation?
Validation is the one-time review that accepts a company's EVM system in the first place; Surveillance is the ongoing, recurring check that the accepted system is still being followed correctly.
Definition maintained by forProject Technology.
© 2026 forProject Technology, Inc.
© 2026 forProject Technology, Inc.
