What is a "go/no-go" decision?

A "go/no-go" decision refers specifically to the assessment process in which a team determines whether or not to pursue a particular opportunity or project. This decision is typically made during the early stages of proposal development and involves evaluating various factors, such as the alignment with organizational goals, resource availability, competitive positioning, and the potential for profit or success. If the opportunity is deemed viable and worth the investment of resources, the team decides to "go" forward. Conversely, if the factors do not favor pursuing the opportunity, the decision is to "no-go," meaning the team will not proceed with the proposal.

This process is crucial as it helps organizations focus on opportunities that align with their strategic objectives and can lead to successful outcomes, thus saving time and resources that might otherwise be spent on unfavorable pursuits. The primary focus of a "go/no-go" decision is on the viability and desirability of the opportunity itself, rather than the specifics of the proposal or the team involved in its creation.