noun

preliminary or basic work.

the inquiry’s findings are expected to lay the groundwork for a complete overhaul of the system

preliminary work,preliminaries,preparations,preparatory measures,basic work,spadework,legwork,hard work,donkey work,hack work,planning,arrangements,organization,homework,basics,rudiments,essentials,fundamentals,underpinning,footing,foundation,cornerstone,nitty-gritty,nuts and bolts,brass tacks