It is important to understand that each program must determine where in the model their program should begin. An "Entry Point" Assessment is required initially as a quick look helping a TM determine which implementation method fits their program's needs. This "Entry Point" Assessment can be performed by using the Decision Point TRL Calculator, the AFRL TRL Calculator, or the results of an external assessment. Each of these methods should produce a rough TRL rating and an analysis of possible high level gaps. This analysis should help a TM determine which implementation method is a best fit.

Once an "Entry Point" Assessment is conducted, an implementation method needs to be determined. This method must consider various program artifacts and a program particular context. The Managing Technology Programs Using Decision Point Diagram identifies artifacts such as:

• Critical Technology Elements (CTEs)
• Technology discipline areas (e.g. HW/SW/...)
• TRL Preliminary Roadmap

The Baseline Assessment (BLA) allows a TM to determine exactly where their program needs to enter into the model. The Program Entry Points diagram illustrates the top level process used to identify a programs entry point. The BLA is critical because it identifies two important parameters that allow a TM to understand their programs location along the Technology Readiness Level spectrum. The first parameter identified by a BLA is the appropriate Phase based on the maturity of a program. The second parameter essential to a BLA is where within the Phase the program needs to begin following the criteria, activities and deliverables of the tailored model.