4.5.1 As announced in February 1998, when the Treasury Taskforce considers the commercial viability of its defined "significant" projects, one of the key criteria used will be the quality of proposed advisers, based on their track record and on the procurer's assessment against pre-determined evaluation criteria.
4.5.2 As explained in paragraph 4.1.3 some procurement will be conducted in two distinct stages. Annex B provides two indicative examples (one is much more detailed than the other) of how Departments might attempt to evaluate competing advisory bids at the award stage. They are not intended to be absolute templates as, clearly, the level of detail required for a particular evaluation will be dependent upon the size and scope of the likely advisory role. With scoring systems, it is important not to be either too simplistic or too systematic. A balance should be struck between the use of scores obtained and other narrative/anecdotal information, whilst adhering to the selection criteria.
4.5.3 The bidder's understanding of relevant PFI or other types of public private partnership is clearly of paramount importance in demonstrating advisers' ability to deliver the required service. What PFI/PPP projects are they working on or have signed either as advisers to the public or private sector or as principals? What was the precise advisory role undertaken ? Many of the larger PFI projects involve a number of advisers in different roles, but not all of them central to the understanding and development of the project. Non-UK experience, if relevant, should not be discounted.
4.5.4 What actual PFI or equivalent experience have the relevant individuals themselves had? This should be explained in detail and in the context of the rest of the team that they are working with. This will also be a factor to address in any pre-qualification process. Procurers should make sure they follow any relevant legal rules on how to conduct the pre-qualification procedure.
4.5.5 What about similar project experience? PFI/PPP projects vary enormously; property, water and sewerage, roads, prisons, schools, hospitals etc. Experience of working on similar types of project is important, although any potential conflicts of interest will need to be identified and dealt with at an early stage.
4.5.6 What experience have individuals had in advising the public sector? What feedback is there on the advisers' previous standard of performance.