PPPs are sufficiently different from conventional procurements in that they pose institutional challenges in terms of skills development and resource allocations by local governmental sponsors and their Federal funding partners. FHWA has engaged in extensive internal and external education programs related to innovative procurement and finance. FHWA's website on Public-Private Partnerships provides transportation professionals with information on a broad array of transportation PPPs, including highway and transit projects.46 This site provides information on PPP legislation, FHWA's SEP 15 Program intended to advance innovative procurements by providing appropriate waivers of FHWA requirements, case studies and summaries of key PPP project agreements. FHWA has also appointed a Program Manager for Public-Private Partnerships.
FTA is a relatively smaller agency with more limited resources. Nevertheless, providing more training on PPPs to its own personnel and offering technical assistance to local agencies could help spur the further growth of PPPs in this important transportation sector. The creation of a special projects group advised by consultants that have PPP experience also may help advance the review of transit projects that employ innovative procurement and finance features.
______________________________________________________________