1.1.1 This note is the third in a series of papers to be issued by the Treasury Taskforce providing practical guidance on key technical issues which arise from the implementation of the Private Finance Initiative (PFI). Each note focuses on a specific area of the procurement process where experience has shown that project managers value assistance.
1.1.2 This note is designed to assist public sector bodies to improve procurement of the right advisory support at the right time. It is advisory rather than mandatory, providing guidance on good practice. However, Accounting Officers may wish to take the guidance into account in accordance with their responsibilities on value for money.
1.1.3 It should be read in conjunction with the complementary HM Treasury Procurement Group publication "Appointment of Consultants and Contractors" (Procurement Guidance No.3), as well as any other relevant material such as sector specific or departmental guidance. It supersedes the Private Finance Panel's "5 Steps to the Appointment of Advisers to PFI Projects" (May 1996).
1.1.4 Based on this material, a training module on best practice in the procurement and management of PFI advisers is also available as part of the Treasury Taskforce's wide ranging programme of PFI training on offer to civil servants.
1.1.5 The text of this note is available at http://hm-treasury.gov.uk on the Internet, under "treasury-projects-taskforce.gov.uk/index.hmtl" and "Guides to PFI". On the Treasury site, you can also find current EC procurement thresholds under the section "Guidance", subsection "Procurement Guidance".