ICA Global Outcome Assurance Standard

At the Industrial Commissioning Association (ICxA), we believe that commissioning is not merely a concluding phase—it is a leadership discipline that guides projects from inception to completion. The ICA Global Outcome Assurance Standard sets the standard for governance from the start, to ensure a successful finish at the end.  While the Global Commissioning Standard provides a structured methodology for delivering commissioning and operational readiness activities, the Outcome Assurance Standard establishes the governance conditions that enable those activities to succeed.

What Is the ICA Global Outcome Assurance Standard?

The ICA Global Outcome Assurance Standard defines the governance and leadership practices required to deliver capital projects that meet their intended outcomes—on time, on budget, and fully aligned with operational goals.

This standard is not about technical execution. It is about establishing clarity of purpose, aligning teams early, and maintaining outcome ownership throughout the project lifecycle. It ensures that project leaders don’t just build assets—they deliver results.

The Outcome Assurance Standard complements the ICA Global Commissioning Standard by focusing on what must happen before and around commissioning to assure success. It introduces a new model of accountability for owners, project managers, and leadership teams.

The standard is organized around five pillars:

• Vision & Strategy – Define and protect the intended outcome from the start

• Information Outcome – Align information flow with operational and lifecycle needs

• Installation Outcome – Set expectations for quality, readiness, and completeness

• Integration Outcome – Ensure systems work together before they are handed over

• Operation Outcome – Transfer control with confidence and ensure readiness to run

Why This Standard Matters

Too many projects treat outcomes as assumptions—something to be confirmed at the end. The Outcome Assurance Standard flips that thinking. It embeds outcome leadership at the beginning and throughout every phase of the project.

It exists to:

• Establish governance structures that prioritize outcome delivery from day one

• Align project planning, procurement, and execution with lifecycle objectives

• Enable early coordination between disciplines, teams, and contractors

• Provide leaders with a clear framework for managing complex interfaces and risks

• Assure not just system completion—but system performance in real-world use

When adopted, the Outcome Assurance Standard becomes the backbone of high-performing projects. It helps project owners lead with clarity, avoid late-stage surprises, and turn capital investment into operational success.

Access the Standard

The ICA Global Outcome Assurance Standard is available at no cost to ICxA members. Join our community to gain access to this invaluable resource and take the first step towards transforming your project delivery.