2.1.1 When a preferred bidder is appointed, there should be very clear expectations on both sides, based on a solid business case. A true partnership relationship based on trust should be established as early as possible during the final negotiations in order to produce a successful outcome. While the value for money basis and risk allocation on which a preferred bidder's appointment takes place must be preserved, a common sense and open approach rather than an adversarial over-detailed approach should secure the most successful outcome.
2.1.2 A preferred bidder should be able to demonstrate before appointment that it has the resources and management skills to undertake the pre-contract negotiations in an efficient and professional manner and that it has the ability to deliver, post-contract signature, a complete solution to meet the output specification. Equally, a preferred bidder should have access to information such as public sector management structures and approval processes.