Data Center Site Selection Scorecard — India
Requirements, legal diligence, constructability, power, water, climate, fibre, approvals, security, operations, and lifecycle cost inputs for a defensible site-selection decision.
Source article: Data Center Site Selection in India·
49
Total tasks
32
Critical tasks
18
Phases
48
Workstreams
20
Accountable owner roles
This checklist is a project-management framework, not legal, regulatory, engineering or certification advice. Exact requirements vary by location, authority, facility design, operating model and project objectives. Validate applicability with qualified local professionals and the relevant authorities. Completing the checklist does not guarantee approval, certification, uptime or regulatory compliance.
How to use this tracker
Each row is an executable work package. Assign a named individual against the accountable role, enter planned start and end dates, follow the predecessor task IDs, and mark a task complete only when its completion criterion is met and supporting evidence has been reviewed.
The owner column deliberately contains the accountable role, not a person’s name, so the tracker stays reusable across organisations. Add a Named_Ownercolumn — or use the local “Named owner” field on each task below — in your working copy.
Using it in Excel
- Import the file as UTF-8.
- Convert the imported range into an Excel Table.
- Freeze the header row.
- Use ISO dates in YYYY-MM-DD format.
- Add data-validation lists for Status and Applicability.
- Filter Critical tasks and blocked project gates during every project review.
- Add a Named_Owner column in the working copy.
- Record the accepting authority in Notes for Accepted Risk.
- Preserve stable Task IDs when customising the tracker.
- Do not mark a task complete until its evidence has been reviewed.
Status legend
- Not Started
- No work has begun on this task yet.
- In Progress
- Work is underway but the completion criterion is not yet met.
- Complete
- The completion criterion has been met and supporting evidence has been reviewed. Do not mark a task Complete only because the activity occurred.
- Blocked
- The task cannot proceed. Record the blocker in Notes.
- Not Applicable
- Record the reason and the approving authority in Notes.
- Accepted Risk
- Record the accepting authority, the interim control and the review date in Notes.
Applicability legend
- Required
- This task applies to the project as scoped.
- Conditional
- Applicability depends on site, authority, technology, or scope decisions not yet made.
- Not Applicable
- Confirmed out of scope for this project — record the reason in Notes.
- To be assessed
- Applicability has not yet been evaluated for this project.
Priority (Critical, High, Medium, Low) and Applicability are always shown as text, never by colour alone.
The complete tracker — 49 tasks
0 / 49
Complete
0%
Percent complete
32
Critical open
0
Blocked
0
Not Applicable (excluded from %)
0
Accepted Risk (open, not counted complete)
48
Tasks with unmet predecessors
49 of 49
Showing
Percent complete = Complete ÷ (Total − Not Applicable). Not Applicable tasks are removed from the denominator because they are out of scope; Accepted Risk tasks stay in the denominator but are never counted as complete, so accepted risk is always visible rather than hidden inside the percentage.
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| Task ID | Task | Phase | Workstream | Owner role | Depends on | Status | Priority | Applicability | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SIT-001 | Appoint site selection lead and decision committee | Initiation | Governance | Project Director | — | Critical | To be assessed | ||
Show details for SIT-001Hide details for SIT-001Task Appoint site selection lead and decision committee Completion criteria Named lead, technical reviewers, commercial reviewers and final decision authority are documented. Dependency explanation Starting task. Accountable role Project Director Owns end-to-end delivery, cross-workstream decisions, executive escalation and stage-gate readiness. Supporting roles Executive Sponsor; Site Selection Lead; PMO Lead Evidence required Approved governance and RACI Gate or milestone blocked Site selection mobilisation Risk if delayed Site choice may be driven by one discipline or informal preference. | |||||||||
| SIT-002 | Approve site selection requirements | Initiation | Requirements | Site Selection Lead | Critical | To be assessed | |||
Show details for SIT-002Hide details for SIT-002Task Approve site selection requirements Completion criteria Day-one/full-build IT load, rack density, availability, latency, security, certification, schedule and expansion needs are approved. Dependency explanation Predecessor tasks provide the approved input, evidence or readiness required for this task. Accountable role Site Selection Lead Owns candidate comparison, evidence pack, scoring, fatal-flaw analysis and recommendation. Supporting roles Electrical Lead; Mechanical and Cooling Lead; Telecom Lead; Operations Manager Evidence required Approved site requirements brief Gate or milestone blocked Longlist creation Risk if delayed Sites may be compared against shifting or incomplete requirements. | |||||||||
| SIT-003 | Approve weighted scoring and fatal-flaw rules | Initiation | Scoring | Site Selection Lead | Critical | To be assessed | |||
Show details for SIT-003Hide details for SIT-003Task Approve weighted scoring and fatal-flaw rules Completion criteria Weights, 1–5 score definitions, evidence standard, N/V treatment and non-negotiable rejection conditions are approved. Dependency explanation Predecessor tasks provide the approved input, evidence or readiness required for this task. Accountable role Site Selection Lead Owns candidate comparison, evidence pack, scoring, fatal-flaw analysis and recommendation. Supporting roles Project Director; Insurance and Risk Lead; Finance and Commercial Lead Evidence required Approved scorecard methodology Gate or milestone blocked Site screening Risk if delayed A high average score may hide a fatal legal or utility flaw. | |||||||||
| SIT-004 | Create site longlist and data-room request | Screening | Pipeline | Site Selection Lead | High | To be assessed | |||
Show details for SIT-004Hide details for SIT-004Task Create site longlist and data-room request Completion criteria Candidate sites are logged with owner, location, parcel details, contacts and standard evidence request. Dependency explanation Predecessor tasks provide the approved input, evidence or readiness required for this task. Accountable role Site Selection Lead Owns candidate comparison, evidence pack, scoring, fatal-flaw analysis and recommendation. Supporting roles Land Due Diligence Lead; Document Controller Evidence required Longlist and data request pack Gate or milestone blocked Desktop screening Risk if delayed Comparisons may use inconsistent information. | |||||||||
| SIT-005 | Obtain ownership and title documents | Desktop Screening | Land and Legal | Land Due Diligence Lead | Critical | To be assessed | |||
Show details for SIT-005Hide details for SIT-005Task Obtain ownership and title documents Completion criteria Current ownership, title chain, encumbrance records, survey and available legal documents are received for each candidate. Dependency explanation Predecessor tasks provide the approved input, evidence or readiness required for this task. Accountable role Land Due Diligence Lead Coordinates title, survey, zoning, easement and access diligence for the site. Supporting roles Legal Counsel; Document Controller Evidence required Candidate legal data-room index Gate or milestone blocked Legal diligence Risk if delayed No reliable basis for site commitment. | |||||||||
| SIT-006 | Verify title, encumbrance and litigation status | Due Diligence | Land and Legal | Legal Counsel | Critical | To be assessed | |||
Show details for SIT-006Hide details for SIT-006Task Verify title, encumbrance and litigation status Completion criteria Independent legal review identifies ownership gaps, liens, disputes, acquisition notices and required cures. Dependency explanation Predecessor tasks provide the approved input, evidence or readiness required for this task. Accountable role Legal Counsel Validates title, contracts, statutory interpretation, legal exposure and formal legal conclusions. Supporting roles Land Due Diligence Lead; Insurance and Risk Lead Evidence required Signed legal title memorandum Gate or milestone blocked Site shortlist / commercial commitment Risk if delayed Disputed or encumbered land can strand the project. | |||||||||
| SIT-007 | Verify permitted use, zoning and conversion path | Due Diligence | Land Use | Legal Counsel | Critical | To be assessed | |||
Show details for SIT-007Hide details for SIT-007Task Verify permitted use, zoning and conversion path Completion criteria Applicable zoning, land-use permission, conversion steps, restrictions and expected timeline are confirmed in writing. Dependency explanation Predecessor tasks provide the approved input, evidence or readiness required for this task. Accountable role Legal Counsel Validates title, contracts, statutory interpretation, legal exposure and formal legal conclusions. Supporting roles Lead Architect; Approvals Manager; Land Due Diligence Lead Evidence required Land-use and zoning memorandum Gate or milestone blocked Site shortlist Risk if delayed Facility may not be legally constructible or operable. | |||||||||
| SIT-008 | Verify survey, boundaries, easements and access rights | Due Diligence | Boundaries and Rights | Land Due Diligence Lead | Critical | To be assessed | |||
Show details for SIT-008Hide details for SIT-008Task Verify survey, boundaries, easements and access rights Completion criteria Physical survey matches documents; access road, utility corridors, third-party rights and encroachments are mapped. Dependency explanation Predecessor tasks provide the approved input, evidence or readiness required for this task. Accountable role Land Due Diligence Lead Coordinates title, survey, zoning, easement and access diligence for the site. Supporting roles Legal Counsel; Civil and Structural Lead Evidence required Certified survey and rights map Gate or milestone blocked Concept layout / transaction Risk if delayed Usable area or utility access may be less than represented. | |||||||||
| SIT-009 | Assess lease or purchase terms and long-term control | Due Diligence | Commercial Terms | Legal Counsel | High | To be assessed | |||
Show details for SIT-009Hide details for SIT-009Task Assess lease or purchase terms and long-term control Completion criteria Tenure, renewal, escalation, development rights, lender rights, access, assignment, expansion and termination risks are evaluated. Dependency explanation Predecessor tasks provide the approved input, evidence or readiness required for this task. Accountable role Legal Counsel Validates title, contracts, statutory interpretation, legal exposure and formal legal conclusions. Supporting roles Finance and Commercial Lead; Project Director Evidence required Commercial legal risk memo Gate or milestone blocked Commercial negotiation Risk if delayed Weak tenure can undermine a long-life infrastructure investment. | |||||||||
| SIT-010 | Complete topographical and physical site survey | Technical Diligence | Site Survey | Civil and Structural Lead | High | To be assessed | |||
Show details for SIT-010Hide details for SIT-010Task Complete topographical and physical site survey Completion criteria Levels, slopes, existing structures, utilities, trees, drainage, access and constraints are surveyed and georeferenced. Dependency explanation Predecessor tasks provide the approved input, evidence or readiness required for this task. Accountable role Civil and Structural Lead Owns civil, structural, drainage, grading, constructability and structural compliance. Supporting roles Site Selection Lead; Lead Architect Evidence required Topographical survey and constraint plan Gate or milestone blocked Concept layout Risk if delayed Hidden grading or demolition work may inflate cost and schedule. | |||||||||
| SIT-011 | Complete geotechnical investigation | Technical Diligence | Geotechnical | Geotechnical Consultant | Critical | To be assessed | |||
Show details for SIT-011Hide details for SIT-011Task Complete geotechnical investigation Completion criteria Soil bearing, settlement, groundwater, excavation, contamination and foundation recommendations are documented. Dependency explanation Predecessor tasks provide the approved input, evidence or readiness required for this task. Accountable role Geotechnical Consultant Owns subsurface investigation, bearing, settlement, seismic and geotechnical conclusions. Supporting roles Civil and Structural Lead; Insurance and Risk Lead Evidence required Geotechnical report Gate or milestone blocked Civil design and cost estimate Risk if delayed Foundation risk can materially change viability. | |||||||||
| SIT-012 | Verify construction and heavy-equipment access | Technical Diligence | Access | Construction Manager | Critical | To be assessed | |||
Show details for SIT-012Hide details for SIT-012Task Verify construction and heavy-equipment access Completion criteria Road width, turning radii, bridges, culverts, overhead restrictions, monsoon access and delivery routes support planned equipment. Dependency explanation Predecessor tasks provide the approved input, evidence or readiness required for this task. Accountable role Construction Manager Owns site execution, sequencing, contractor interfaces, installation readiness and completion. Supporting roles Civil and Structural Lead; Procurement Lead; HSE Manager Evidence required Heavy haul route survey Gate or milestone blocked Site shortlist / logistics plan Risk if delayed Transformers, generators or chillers may not reach the site. | |||||||||
| SIT-013 | Verify emergency and operational access | Technical Diligence | Emergency Access | HSE Manager | High | To be assessed | |||
Show details for SIT-013Hide details for SIT-013Task Verify emergency and operational access Completion criteria Fire, ambulance, police, fuel, maintenance and staff access remain practical during peak traffic and adverse weather. Dependency explanation Predecessor tasks provide the approved input, evidence or readiness required for this task. Accountable role HSE Manager Owns safety systems, permits, emergency controls, statutory safety records and test safety. Supporting roles Security Lead; Operations Manager; Fire and Life Safety Consultant Evidence required Emergency and operational access review Gate or milestone blocked Site shortlist Risk if delayed Incident response or normal operations may be delayed. | |||||||||
| SIT-014 | Approve day-one and full-build power requirement | Utility Diligence | Power Demand | Electrical Lead | Critical | To be assessed | |||
Show details for SIT-014Hide details for SIT-014Task Approve day-one and full-build power requirement Completion criteria IT, cooling, electrical losses, support loads, diversity and contingency are converted into utility demand by phase. Dependency explanation Predecessor tasks provide the approved input, evidence or readiness required for this task. Accountable role Electrical Lead Owns electrical design, protection, utility interfaces, energisation readiness and electrical compliance. Supporting roles Mechanical and Cooling Lead; Design Manager Evidence required Approved power demand model Gate or milestone blocked Utility feasibility request Risk if delayed Utility engagement may use understated or inconsistent demand. | |||||||||
| SIT-015 | Obtain written utility feasibility | Utility Diligence | Utility Capacity | Utility Liaison Lead | Critical | To be assessed | |||
Show details for SIT-015Hide details for SIT-015Task Obtain written utility feasibility Completion criteria Utility confirms available capacity, source substation, voltage, connection scope, indicative cost and timeline. Dependency explanation Predecessor tasks provide the approved input, evidence or readiness required for this task. Accountable role Utility Liaison Lead Coordinates utility feasibility, sanctioned load, route, commercial terms, inspections and energisation. Supporting roles Electrical Lead; Site Selection Lead Evidence required Utility feasibility letter or formal response Gate or milestone blocked Site shortlist Risk if delayed Power may be unavailable or arrive after required go-live. | |||||||||
| SIT-016 | Map power connection route and rights-of-way | Utility Diligence | Power Route | Utility Liaison Lead | Critical | To be assessed | |||
Show details for SIT-016Hide details for SIT-016Task Map power connection route and rights-of-way Completion criteria Proposed feeder/cable route, crossings, third-party permissions, owner scope and land needs are identified. Dependency explanation Predecessor tasks provide the approved input, evidence or readiness required for this task. Accountable role Utility Liaison Lead Coordinates utility feasibility, sanctioned load, route, commercial terms, inspections and energisation. Supporting roles Electrical Lead; Legal Counsel; Approvals Manager Evidence required Power route map and ROW note Gate or milestone blocked Power schedule and cost baseline Risk if delayed Route permission can be the true critical path. | |||||||||
| SIT-017 | Assess source and route diversity | Utility Diligence | Resilience | Electrical Lead | Critical | To be assessed | |||
Show details for SIT-017Hide details for SIT-017Task Assess source and route diversity Completion criteria Proposed feeds are traced to upstream sources and common substations, corridors, switchgear and hazards are identified. Dependency explanation Predecessor tasks provide the approved input, evidence or readiness required for this task. Accountable role Electrical Lead Owns electrical design, protection, utility interfaces, energisation readiness and electrical compliance. Supporting roles Utility Liaison Lead; Insurance and Risk Lead Evidence required Power resilience and common-mode assessment Gate or milestone blocked Availability design / site shortlist Risk if delayed Nominal dual feeds may share one failure point. | |||||||||
| SIT-018 | Review outage and power quality history | Utility Diligence | Reliability | Electrical Lead | High | To be assessed | |||
Show details for SIT-018Hide details for SIT-018Task Review outage and power quality history Completion criteria Available outage frequency, duration, voltage events and local maintenance constraints are analysed and limitations stated. Dependency explanation Predecessor tasks provide the approved input, evidence or readiness required for this task. Accountable role Electrical Lead Owns electrical design, protection, utility interfaces, energisation readiness and electrical compliance. Supporting roles Utility Liaison Lead; Operations Manager Evidence required Utility reliability review Gate or milestone blocked Backup-power design / operating cost Risk if delayed Backup runtime and fuel demand may be underestimated. | |||||||||
| SIT-019 | Assess generator, fuel and backup-power logistics | Utility Diligence | Backup Power | Electrical Lead | High | To be assessed | |||
Show details for SIT-019Hide details for SIT-019Task Assess generator, fuel and backup-power logistics Completion criteria DG yard, emissions/noise, fuel storage, tanker route, replenishment and full-build space are feasible. Dependency explanation Predecessor tasks provide the approved input, evidence or readiness required for this task. Accountable role Electrical Lead Owns electrical design, protection, utility interfaces, energisation readiness and electrical compliance. Supporting roles Fire and Life Safety Consultant; HSE Manager; Approvals Manager Evidence required Backup power site-fit note Gate or milestone blocked Concept layout Risk if delayed Site constraints may prevent reliable backup power. | |||||||||
| SIT-020 | Confirm future power expansion path | Utility Diligence | Expansion | Utility Liaison Lead | Critical | To be assessed | |||
Show details for SIT-020Hide details for SIT-020Task Confirm future power expansion path Completion criteria Utility and site infrastructure can support later phases with identified upgrades, dates, land and cost. Dependency explanation Predecessor tasks provide the approved input, evidence or readiness required for this task. Accountable role Utility Liaison Lead Coordinates utility feasibility, sanctioned load, route, commercial terms, inspections and energisation. Supporting roles Electrical Lead; Finance and Commercial Lead Evidence required Phased power expansion plan Gate or milestone blocked Full-build business case Risk if delayed A viable day-one site may become a stranded asset. | |||||||||
| SIT-021 | Compile site-specific climate design conditions | Environmental Diligence | Climate | Mechanical and Cooling Lead | High | To be assessed | |||
Show details for SIT-021Hide details for SIT-021Task Compile site-specific climate design conditions Completion criteria Peak dry-bulb, wet-bulb, humidity, heat wave, monsoon, dust, air quality and coastal exposure are documented. Dependency explanation Predecessor tasks provide the approved input, evidence or readiness required for this task. Accountable role Mechanical and Cooling Lead Owns cooling/mechanical design, equipment selection, redundancy, performance and test criteria. Supporting roles Water and Environmental Lead; Insurance and Risk Lead Evidence required Climate design-condition report Gate or milestone blocked Cooling concept screening Risk if delayed Catalogue climate assumptions may understate plant size or corrosion. | |||||||||
| SIT-022 | Complete flood, drainage and stormwater assessment | Environmental Diligence | Flood | Civil and Structural Lead | Critical | To be assessed | |||
Show details for SIT-022Hide details for SIT-022Task Complete flood, drainage and stormwater assessment Completion criteria Historical events, catchment, site levels, drainage outfall, extreme rainfall and required elevation/mitigation are assessed. Dependency explanation Predecessor tasks provide the approved input, evidence or readiness required for this task. Accountable role Civil and Structural Lead Owns civil, structural, drainage, grading, constructability and structural compliance. Supporting roles Water and Environmental Lead; Insurance and Risk Lead Evidence required Flood and drainage study Gate or milestone blocked Site shortlist Risk if delayed Flooding can disable access, utilities and critical equipment. | |||||||||
| SIT-023 | Assess seismic and natural-hazard exposure | Environmental Diligence | Seismic and Hazards | Civil and Structural Lead | High | To be assessed | |||
Show details for SIT-023Hide details for SIT-023Task Assess seismic and natural-hazard exposure Completion criteria Seismic zone, liquefaction where relevant, wind/cyclone, lightning and other location hazards are documented. Dependency explanation Predecessor tasks provide the approved input, evidence or readiness required for this task. Accountable role Civil and Structural Lead Owns civil, structural, drainage, grading, constructability and structural compliance. Supporting roles Insurance and Risk Lead; HSE Manager Evidence required Natural hazards report Gate or milestone blocked Structural concept / insurance review Risk if delayed Design cost and residual risk may be understated. | |||||||||
| SIT-024 | Estimate day-one and full-build water demand | Water Diligence | Demand | Water and Environmental Lead | Critical | To be assessed | |||
Show details for SIT-024Hide details for SIT-024Task Estimate day-one and full-build water demand Completion criteria Cooling, treatment, domestic, fire and process demands are calculated by season and operating mode. Dependency explanation Predecessor tasks provide the approved input, evidence or readiness required for this task. Accountable role Water and Environmental Lead Owns water balance, source legality, quality, treatment, discharge and environmental obligations. Supporting roles Mechanical and Cooling Lead; Fire and Life Safety Consultant Evidence required Approved water demand model Gate or milestone blocked Water-source validation Risk if delayed Source adequacy cannot be assessed. | |||||||||
| SIT-025 | Validate primary and backup water sources | Water Diligence | Source | Water and Environmental Lead | Critical | To be assessed | |||
Show details for SIT-025Hide details for SIT-025Task Validate primary and backup water sources Completion criteria Legal source, permitted quantity, seasonal reliability, agreement terms, backup and expansion capacity are evidenced. Dependency explanation Predecessor tasks provide the approved input, evidence or readiness required for this task. Accountable role Water and Environmental Lead Owns water balance, source legality, quality, treatment, discharge and environmental obligations. Supporting roles Legal Counsel; Approvals Manager; Finance and Commercial Lead Evidence required Water-source feasibility pack Gate or milestone blocked Site shortlist Risk if delayed Cooling may depend on unavailable or unlawful water. | |||||||||
| SIT-026 | Test source water quality and treatment implications | Water Diligence | Quality | Water and Environmental Lead | High | To be assessed | |||
Show details for SIT-026Hide details for SIT-026Task Test source water quality and treatment implications Completion criteria Representative tests identify scaling, corrosion, biological and treatment requirements and operating cost impact. Dependency explanation Predecessor tasks provide the approved input, evidence or readiness required for this task. Accountable role Water and Environmental Lead Owns water balance, source legality, quality, treatment, discharge and environmental obligations. Supporting roles Mechanical and Cooling Lead; Operations Manager Evidence required Laboratory report and treatment note Gate or milestone blocked Cooling technology selection Risk if delayed Poor water quality may damage systems or raise cost. | |||||||||
| SIT-027 | Assess cooling technology fit for climate, water and density | Cooling Diligence | Technology Fit | Mechanical and Cooling Lead | Critical | To be assessed | |||
Show details for SIT-027Hide details for SIT-027Task Assess cooling technology fit for climate, water and density Completion criteria Viable air, chilled-water, dry, evaporative, hybrid and liquid-cooling options are compared for planned loads. Dependency explanation Predecessor tasks provide the approved input, evidence or readiness required for this task. Accountable role Mechanical and Cooling Lead Owns cooling/mechanical design, equipment selection, redundancy, performance and test criteria. Supporting roles Electrical Lead; Operations Manager; Finance and Commercial Lead Evidence required Cooling technology site-fit comparison Gate or milestone blocked Site shortlist Risk if delayed Selected site may not support required density or sustainability. | |||||||||
| SIT-028 | Validate sewerage, blowdown and wastewater route | Environmental Diligence | Discharge | Water and Environmental Lead | High | To be assessed | |||
Show details for SIT-028Hide details for SIT-028Task Validate sewerage, blowdown and wastewater route Completion criteria Discharge path, treatment, quantity, permission and seasonal constraints are confirmed. Dependency explanation Predecessor tasks provide the approved input, evidence or readiness required for this task. Accountable role Water and Environmental Lead Owns water balance, source legality, quality, treatment, discharge and environmental obligations. Supporting roles Approvals Manager; Legal Counsel Evidence required Wastewater and discharge feasibility note Gate or milestone blocked Environmental approval path Risk if delayed Facility may lack a lawful operating discharge route. | |||||||||
| SIT-029 | Obtain carrier service and capacity confirmation | Connectivity Diligence | Carrier Availability | Telecom Lead | Critical | To be assessed | |||
Show details for SIT-029Hide details for SIT-029Task Obtain carrier service and capacity confirmation Completion criteria Required carriers confirm service type, capacity, PoP, commercial lead time and building handoff assumptions. Dependency explanation Predecessor tasks provide the approved input, evidence or readiness required for this task. Accountable role Telecom Lead Owns carrier strategy, physical route diversity, right-of-way, building entry and service acceptance. Supporting roles IT and Network Lead; Finance and Commercial Lead Evidence required Carrier feasibility responses Gate or milestone blocked Site shortlist Risk if delayed Connectivity may be unavailable or late. | |||||||||
| SIT-030 | Map physical fibre routes and common points | Connectivity Diligence | Routes | Telecom Lead | Critical | To be assessed | |||
Show details for SIT-030Hide details for SIT-030Task Map physical fibre routes and common points Completion criteria Routes are traced from PoPs to site, including ducts, bridges, road crossings, chambers and shared infrastructure. Dependency explanation Predecessor tasks provide the approved input, evidence or readiness required for this task. Accountable role Telecom Lead Owns carrier strategy, physical route diversity, right-of-way, building entry and service acceptance. Supporting roles Legal Counsel; Approvals Manager; IT and Network Lead Evidence required Physical fibre route maps Gate or milestone blocked Diversity assessment Risk if delayed Different carriers may use the same physical path. | |||||||||
| SIT-031 | Validate two physically diverse entrances and paths | Connectivity Diligence | Diversity | Telecom Lead | Critical | To be assessed | |||
Show details for SIT-031Hide details for SIT-031Task Validate two physically diverse entrances and paths Completion criteria Required paths avoid unacceptable common points and can enter separated meet-me rooms or zones. Dependency explanation Predecessor tasks provide the approved input, evidence or readiness required for this task. Accountable role Telecom Lead Owns carrier strategy, physical route diversity, right-of-way, building entry and service acceptance. Supporting roles Lead Architect; IT and Network Lead; Insurance and Risk Lead Evidence required Fibre diversity assessment Gate or milestone blocked Connectivity acceptance Risk if delayed One excavation or fire event may cut all service. | |||||||||
| SIT-032 | Assess telecom right-of-way, road cutting and delivery schedule | Connectivity Diligence | ROW and Timeline | Approvals Manager | High | To be assessed | |||
Show details for SIT-032Hide details for SIT-032Task Assess telecom right-of-way, road cutting and delivery schedule Completion criteria Authority permissions, restoration obligations, route owners and realistic delivery dates are documented. Dependency explanation Predecessor tasks provide the approved input, evidence or readiness required for this task. Accountable role Approvals Manager Owns the approval inventory, authority engagement, submissions, conditions, renewals and evidence. Supporting roles Telecom Lead; Legal Counsel; PMO Lead Evidence required Telecom ROW and schedule note Gate or milestone blocked Master schedule Risk if delayed Fibre often becomes a late external dependency. | |||||||||
| SIT-033 | Create site-specific approval pathway | Regulatory Diligence | Approvals | Approvals Manager | Critical | To be assessed | |||
Show details for SIT-033Hide details for SIT-033Task Create site-specific approval pathway Completion criteria Land, building, fire, power, DG/fuel, water, environment, telecom, labour and operating permissions are mapped. Dependency explanation Predecessor tasks provide the approved input, evidence or readiness required for this task. Accountable role Approvals Manager Owns the approval inventory, authority engagement, submissions, conditions, renewals and evidence. Supporting roles Legal Counsel; Design Manager; PMO Lead Evidence required Site approval inventory and timeline Gate or milestone blocked Site shortlist Risk if delayed Approval complexity may make an otherwise strong site unviable. | |||||||||
| SIT-034 | Assess state policy and incentive eligibility | Regulatory Diligence | Policy | Finance and Commercial Lead | Medium | To be assessed | |||
Show details for SIT-034Hide details for SIT-034Task Assess state policy and incentive eligibility Completion criteria Eligibility, deadlines, evidence, benefit timing, continuing obligations and risk-adjusted value are documented. Dependency explanation Predecessor tasks provide the approved input, evidence or readiness required for this task. Accountable role Finance and Commercial Lead Owns cost, lifecycle economics, commercial assumptions, incentives and financial validation. Supporting roles Approvals Manager; Legal Counsel Evidence required Incentive eligibility memorandum Gate or milestone blocked Business case Risk if delayed Uncertain incentives may be incorrectly treated as committed economics. | |||||||||
| SIT-035 | Assess adjacent industrial, infrastructure and human-made hazards | Security Diligence | External Risk | Security Lead | High | To be assessed | |||
Show details for SIT-035Hide details for SIT-035Task Assess adjacent industrial, infrastructure and human-made hazards Completion criteria Chemical sites, pipelines, HV corridors, transport, airport/defence, vibration, protests and future land use are mapped. Dependency explanation Predecessor tasks provide the approved input, evidence or readiness required for this task. Accountable role Security Lead Owns physical security design, access control, CCTV, security procedures and incident escalation. Supporting roles HSE Manager; Insurance and Risk Lead; Civil and Structural Lead Evidence required External hazard map and risk assessment Gate or milestone blocked Site shortlist Risk if delayed An external event may disable access or create evacuation risk. | |||||||||
| SIT-036 | Assess perimeter and security design feasibility | Security Diligence | Site Security | Security Lead | High | To be assessed | |||
Show details for SIT-036Hide details for SIT-036Task Assess perimeter and security design feasibility Completion criteria Setbacks, secure perimeter, controlled entries, vehicle screening, critical-area zoning and surveillance are feasible. Dependency explanation Predecessor tasks provide the approved input, evidence or readiness required for this task. Accountable role Security Lead Owns physical security design, access control, CCTV, security procedures and incident escalation. Supporting roles Lead Architect; Operations Manager; HSE Manager Evidence required Site security feasibility review Gate or milestone blocked Concept layout Risk if delayed Plot constraints may prevent required physical security. | |||||||||
| SIT-037 | Assess operations workforce and vendor ecosystem | Operations Diligence | Workforce | Operations Manager | High | To be assessed | |||
Show details for SIT-037Hide details for SIT-037Task Assess operations workforce and vendor ecosystem Completion criteria Critical skills, shift staffing, transport, OEM support, maintenance vendors, accommodation and emergency support are available. Dependency explanation Predecessor tasks provide the approved input, evidence or readiness required for this task. Accountable role Operations Manager Owns operational acceptance, staffing, procedures, monitoring, maintenance and post-handover accountability. Supporting roles HR and Training Lead; Procurement Lead; Security Lead Evidence required Operations ecosystem assessment Gate or milestone blocked Site shortlist Risk if delayed Recruitment and support constraints can increase operational risk. | |||||||||
| SIT-038 | Assess fuel, chemicals, spares and consumable logistics | Operations Diligence | Supply Chain | Operations Manager | High | To be assessed | |||
Show details for SIT-038Hide details for SIT-038Task Assess fuel, chemicals, spares and consumable logistics Completion criteria Suppliers, lead times, access, storage, seasonal disruption and alternate sources are documented. Dependency explanation Predecessor tasks provide the approved input, evidence or readiness required for this task. Accountable role Operations Manager Owns operational acceptance, staffing, procedures, monitoring, maintenance and post-handover accountability. Supporting roles Procurement Lead; HSE Manager; Finance and Commercial Lead Evidence required Critical supply-chain assessment Gate or milestone blocked Operating model Risk if delayed A remote or constrained site may be difficult to sustain. | |||||||||
| SIT-039 | Build comparable site lifecycle cost model | Commercial Evaluation | Lifecycle Cost | Finance and Commercial Lead | Critical | To be assessed | |||
Show details for SIT-039Hide details for SIT-039Task Build comparable site lifecycle cost model Completion criteria Land, civil, utility, ROW, flood, cooling, water, security, taxes, approvals, operations and risk contingencies use common assumptions. Dependency explanation Predecessor tasks provide the approved input, evidence or readiness required for this task. Accountable role Finance and Commercial Lead Owns cost, lifecycle economics, commercial assumptions, incentives and financial validation. Supporting roles Site Selection Lead; Project Director; Insurance and Risk Lead Evidence required Comparable lifecycle cost model Gate or milestone blocked Final site scoring Risk if delayed Low land price may conceal much higher total cost. | |||||||||
| SIT-040 | Prepare phased site master plan | Expansion Evaluation | Master Planning | Lead Architect | Critical | To be assessed | |||
Show details for SIT-040Hide details for SIT-040Task Prepare phased site master plan Completion criteria Day-one and full-build buildings, utilities, circulation, security, construction staging and future tie-ins fit without unsafe disruption. Dependency explanation Predecessor tasks provide the approved input, evidence or readiness required for this task. Accountable role Lead Architect Owns architectural compliance, building submissions, space planning and authority drawing coordination. Supporting roles Civil and Structural Lead; Electrical Lead; Mechanical and Cooling Lead; Operations Manager Evidence required Phased master plan Gate or milestone blocked Full-build viability Risk if delayed Expansion may block operations or require redesign of core infrastructure. | |||||||||
| SIT-041 | Obtain insurance and risk view for shortlisted sites | Commercial Evaluation | Insurance | Insurance and Risk Lead | High | To be assessed | |||
Show details for SIT-041Hide details for SIT-041Task Obtain insurance and risk view for shortlisted sites Completion criteria Insurability, exclusions, required mitigations and indicative premium differences are documented. Dependency explanation Predecessor tasks provide the approved input, evidence or readiness required for this task. Accountable role Insurance and Risk Lead Owns hazard/insurability review, risk-transfer requirements and residual-risk advice. Supporting roles Finance and Commercial Lead; HSE Manager; Project Director Evidence required Insurance risk opinion Gate or milestone blocked Final site decision Risk if delayed Material hazards may be uninsurable or expensive. | |||||||||
| SIT-042 | Score each candidate with evidence references | Decision | Scorecard | Site Selection Lead | Critical | To be assessed | |||
Show details for SIT-042Hide details for SIT-042Task Score each candidate with evidence references Completion criteria Every criterion has score, rationale, evidence, confidence, owner and open action; unverified items remain N/V. Dependency explanation Predecessor tasks provide the approved input, evidence or readiness required for this task. Accountable role Site Selection Lead Owns candidate comparison, evidence pack, scoring, fatal-flaw analysis and recommendation. Supporting roles All workstream leads; PMO Lead Evidence required Completed evidence-linked site scorecards Gate or milestone blocked Final shortlist Risk if delayed Optimistic assumptions may be converted into false precision. | |||||||||
| SIT-043 | Perform independent fatal-flaw review | Decision | Fatal Flaws | Insurance and Risk Lead | Critical | To be assessed | |||
Show details for SIT-043Hide details for SIT-043Task Perform independent fatal-flaw review Completion criteria Title, land use, power, hazards, water/cooling, fibre, approvals, access and expansion fatal flaws are closed or site is rejected. Dependency explanation Predecessor tasks provide the approved input, evidence or readiness required for this task. Accountable role Insurance and Risk Lead Owns hazard/insurability review, risk-transfer requirements and residual-risk advice. Supporting roles Legal Counsel; Electrical Lead; Mechanical and Cooling Lead; Telecom Lead; Approvals Manager Evidence required Signed fatal-flaw review Gate or milestone blocked Final recommendation Risk if delayed A weighted score may conceal an irreversible blocker. | |||||||||
| SIT-044 | Conduct multidisciplinary site verification visit | Decision | Site Visit | Site Selection Lead | Critical | To be assessed | |||
Show details for SIT-044Hide details for SIT-044Task Conduct multidisciplinary site verification visit Completion criteria Technical, legal, operations, security and construction representatives verify critical evidence and record discrepancies. Dependency explanation Predecessor tasks provide the approved input, evidence or readiness required for this task. Accountable role Site Selection Lead Owns candidate comparison, evidence pack, scoring, fatal-flaw analysis and recommendation. Supporting roles Operations Manager; Construction Manager; Security Lead; Electrical Lead; Mechanical and Cooling Lead Evidence required Site visit report, photos and action log Gate or milestone blocked Final recommendation Risk if delayed Desktop evidence may not match physical reality. | |||||||||
| SIT-045 | Prepare site-specific residual risk and mitigation plan | Decision | Risk | Insurance and Risk Lead | Critical | To be assessed | |||
Show details for SIT-045Hide details for SIT-045Task Prepare site-specific residual risk and mitigation plan Completion criteria Each material risk has cause, impact, mitigation, cost, schedule, owner, trigger and acceptance authority. Dependency explanation Predecessor tasks provide the approved input, evidence or readiness required for this task. Accountable role Insurance and Risk Lead Owns hazard/insurability review, risk-transfer requirements and residual-risk advice. Supporting roles Site Selection Lead; PMO Lead; Finance and Commercial Lead Evidence required Residual risk and mitigation register Gate or milestone blocked Investment approval Risk if delayed Risks may be accepted without funding or ownership. | |||||||||
| SIT-046 | Prepare site selection decision memorandum | Decision | Recommendation | Site Selection Lead | Critical | To be assessed | |||
Show details for SIT-046Hide details for SIT-046Task Prepare site selection decision memorandum Completion criteria Memo compares candidates, explains scoring, fatal flaws, costs, schedule, evidence gaps, residual risks and recommended site. Dependency explanation Predecessor tasks provide the approved input, evidence or readiness required for this task. Accountable role Site Selection Lead Owns candidate comparison, evidence pack, scoring, fatal-flaw analysis and recommendation. Supporting roles Project Director; Finance and Commercial Lead; Document Controller Evidence required Controlled decision memorandum and evidence pack Gate or milestone blocked Site approval Risk if delayed Decision may not be auditable or defensible. | |||||||||
| SIT-047 | Approve preferred site and transaction conditions | Decision | Approval | Executive Sponsor | Critical | To be assessed | |||
Show details for SIT-047Hide details for SIT-047Task Approve preferred site and transaction conditions Completion criteria Decision authority approves site, maximum commercial exposure, conditions precedent, diligence closures and residual risks. Dependency explanation Predecessor tasks provide the approved input, evidence or readiness required for this task. Accountable role Executive Sponsor Owns the business decision, funding authority, formal risk acceptance and final escalation. Supporting roles Project Director; Legal Counsel; Finance and Commercial Lead Evidence required Signed site approval and condition list Gate or milestone blocked Land commitment Risk if delayed Organisation may commit before critical protections are in place. | |||||||||
| SIT-048 | Close conditions before irrevocable commitment | Transaction | Conditions Precedent | Legal Counsel | Critical | To be assessed | |||
Show details for SIT-048Hide details for SIT-048Task Close conditions before irrevocable commitment Completion criteria Legal cures, utility evidence, rights, approvals, surveys, commercial protections and other approved conditions are satisfied or waived by authority. Dependency explanation Predecessor tasks provide the approved input, evidence or readiness required for this task. Accountable role Legal Counsel Validates title, contracts, statutory interpretation, legal exposure and formal legal conclusions. Supporting roles Site Selection Lead; Project Director; Finance and Commercial Lead Evidence required Condition-precedent closure certificate Gate or milestone blocked Transaction close Risk if delayed Irreversible spend may occur while fatal dependencies remain. | |||||||||
| SIT-049 | Transfer approved site assumptions into design and project controls | Close-out | Baseline | Project Director | Critical | To be assessed | |||
Show details for SIT-049Hide details for SIT-049Task Transfer approved site assumptions into design and project controls Completion criteria All site constraints, utility commitments, hazards, mitigations, approvals and expansion assumptions are baselined with owners. Dependency explanation Predecessor tasks provide the approved input, evidence or readiness required for this task. Accountable role Project Director Owns end-to-end delivery, cross-workstream decisions, executive escalation and stage-gate readiness. Supporting roles Design Manager; PMO Lead; Approvals Manager; Operations Manager Evidence required Site handover pack and updated project baselines Gate or milestone blocked Concept design mobilisation Risk if delayed Site diligence may be forgotten during design and delivery. | |||||||||
This checklist is a project-management framework, not legal, regulatory, engineering or certification advice. Exact requirements vary by location, authority, facility design, operating model and project objectives. Validate applicability with qualified local professionals and the relevant authorities. Completing the checklist does not guarantee approval, certification, uptime or regulatory compliance.