What is FEL-0?

Front-end loading is widely recognized as a critical discipline in capital projects. Research from PMI (Project Management Institute) shows that FEL-0 helps catch problems early. You define the business need and explore technical options while costs are still minimal. This approach allows owners to filter out bad ideas and avoid wasted effort.

Industry research consistently links strong FEL to better cost and schedule outcomes. Skipping FEL tends to invite scope creep and budget overruns. Today's best practice is to use a formal stage-gate framework, where each FEL phase must meet exit criteria and earn approval before more funding is allocated.

A good FEL-0 gives executives the insight to make or stop an investment with confidence.

1. Clarify the project opportunity and fit

• Write a brief business case

2. Identify major options and constraints

• Consider technology, sites, and regulations

3. Sketch rough cost and schedule ranges

• Use order-of-magnitude estimates

4. Start a high-level risk scan

• Note obvious technical or regulatory hazards

5. Make a go/no-go recommendation

• Decide whether to proceed to FEL-1

At Project Solve, we guide owners through FEL-0 with structured opportunity assessments and preliminary studies. Our team rapidly gathers baseline data and crafts the initial business case. These efforts tie directly into our Project Development & Management and Feasibility Studies & Market Analysis services, ensuring clients have clarity before deeper design work begins.