3.5 Agreeing on sources of data is one of the most important challenges in a benchmarking exercise. Crucially, the process should not be carried out using data supplied by the Project Company from its current supply of services, as it is extremely difficult to reasonably assess the objectivity of such data and the efficiency of the supplier. Equally, the exercise should not be carried out using untested data supplied by the Project Company. The Authority has a right and a responsibility to interrogate its data source, and to provide other comparators. Ultimately, though both parties need to agree the sources of data.
3.6 The Authority can draw on a number of sources to provide information to validate the benchmark data provided by the Project Company, but in doing so should appraise the extent to which the source and quality of the data makes it comparable. Data sources may include other contracts the Authority has for PFI, other contracted-out services and contracts managed by other public authorities. Further, departmental Private Finance Units, the Department of Health's Estates Returns Information Collection (ERIC), the Operational Taskforce, 4ps and technical and financial advisers may also have access to a relevant range of information. The Authority may also wish to refer to the Public Service Benchmarking Service (www.benchmarking.gov.uk). There are also a number of specialist organisations that offer benchmarking information services.