Startbesluit

Startbesluit (start decision) is a formal approval in Dutch project governance that authorizes the start of a new project phase. It is commonly used in infrastructure, housing, and public works to mark the transition from planning or feasibility to execution, including design and procurement. The startbesluit is typically issued by the project’s opdrachtgever (client) or by a steering or governance body and often represents a binding basis for allocating funds and resources.

The decision usually follows an earlier phase such as a feasibility study or startnotitie (start note) that outlines the project’s objectives, scope, alternatives, expected benefits, costs, and risks. The startbesluit defines the project scope and objectives, sets the budget and schedule, specifies the procurement approach (e.g., design-bid-build, design-build), and establishes governance arrangements, including decision rights and risk management.

In many Dutch public projects, the startbesluit is one of several mandatory milestones that structure the project lifecycle. It serves as a go/no-go moment: if approved, the project proceeds to the next phases (design, engineering, permitting, and procurement); if rejected, the project is halted or re-scoped. Large projects may require inter-ministerial or council approval and formal documentation that becomes part of the project file and public record.

While the exact content and authority of a startbesluit vary by organization, the concept reflects a formal commitment to proceed, with defined objectives, resources, and governance to manage the subsequent work.