This standard provides a process for creating a software project life cycle process (SPLCP). It is primarily directed at the process architect for a given software project. It is the function of the process architect to develop the SPLCP.This methodology begins with the selection of an appropriate software project life cycle model (SPLCM) for use on the specific project. It continues through the definition of the software project life cycle (SPLC)@ using the selected SPLCM@ the activities provided in Annex A@ and the portion of the software life cycle that is relevant to the project. The methodology concludes with the augmentation of the software life cycle with organizational process assets (OPAs) to create the SPLCP.The activities that are provided in Annex A cover the entire life cycle of a software system@ from concept exploration through the eventual retirement of the software system. This standard does not address nonsoftware activities@ such as contracting@ purchasing@ or hardware development. It also does not mandate the use of a specific SPLCM@ nor does it provide a selection of@ or a tutorial on@ SPLCMs. This standard presumes that the process architect is already familiar with a variety of SPLCMs@ with the criteria for choosing among them and with the criteria for determining the attributes and constraints of the desired end system and the development environment that affects this selection. Finally@ this standard does not prescribe how to perform the software activities in Annex A.