The following questions can provide a useful framework for determining and defining outputs/performance requirements:
• What are the objectives of the facility and services to be provided?
• How can these objectives contribute to the successful delivery of the program requirements?
• In the light of these objectives, what is not acceptable (e.g. no off-site catering)?
• What is negotiable (e.g. is IT one of the services provided or not)?
• What is the level and standard of facilities and service that must be delivered (such as core space)?
• What is desirable over that level and standard, if affordable (e.g. recreational space)?
• What service parameters are non-discretionary (e.g. security levels)?
• How do services and outputs rank in terms of functional criticality (i.e. where are the main risks)?
• What is likely to change over the life of the contract and what are the potential drivers? How can such changes be allowed for in the specification, where necessary?
• Is it possible to translate the specified standards into performance measures within the payment mechanism?