The Innovation and Planning (IP) Iteration is a standard, cadence-based event that occurs at the end of every Program Increment (PI). It serves as a crucial buffer for meeting PI Objectives and provides dedicated time for innovation, continuing education, and the activities necessary for PI Planning. This regular rhythm ensures the Agile Release Train (ART) has a consistent opportunity to prepare for the next PI, reflect on the current one, and explore new ideas without the pressure of feature delivery. Its inclusion in every PI cycle is fundamental to the relentless improvement and sustainability of the ART.

A. Every two PIs: This is incorrect. The IP Iteration is an integral part of each PI's cadence, not an event that skips a PI.

B. Every two Iterations: This is incorrect. It occurs once at the end of a full Program Increment, which is typically composed of four to six iterations.

C. Once per year: This is incorrect. Since a PI is typically 8-12 weeks long, an IP Iteration occurs multiple times per year, not just once.

1. Scaled Agile, Inc. (2023). Innovation and Planning Iteration. Scaled Agile Framework. Retrieved from https://www.scaledagileframework.com/innovation-and-planning-iteration/

Reference Point: The first sentence of the article states, "The Innovation and Planning (IP) Iteration is a unique, dedicated iteration that occurs every Program Increment (PI)."

2. Scaled Agile, Inc. (2023). Program Increment (PI). Scaled Agile Framework. Retrieved from https://www.scaledagileframework.com/program-increment/

Reference Point: In the "Details" section, the text describes the structure of a PI: "The most common pattern for a PI is four development Iterations, followed by one Innovation and Planning (IP) Iteration." This confirms the IP Iteration is a component of every PI.