While Director at the Defense Advanced Resarch Projects Agency (DARPA), George Heilmeier crafted a set of questions known as the "Heilmeier Catechism" to help Agency officials work through and evaluate proposed research projects.

What are you trying to do? Articulate your objectives using absolutely no jargon.
How is it done today, and what are the limits of current practice?
What is new in your approach and why do you think it will be successful?
Who cares? If you are successful, what difference will it make?
What are the risks?
How much will it cost?
How long will it take?
What are the mid-term and final “exams” to check for success?