4.5 Project teams should consult the departmental Stage 1 assessments and consider whether these assumptions hold in their particular projects. All assumption changes made at this stage should be fully explained and documented by the project leads. Where a PFI project does not look like it will deliver VfM the reasons should be considered carefully as part of the OBC. If it would be possible to achieve these benefits by delaying the timing of the project, for example if several similar projects have recently gone to the market, then the team should consider delaying.
4.6 If the cause is more fundamental, the first step for the team should be to examine the project to determine whether there are changes that can be made that will still deliver the business requirement and which represent good VfM. Assessors should consider the following:
• first identify why and whether the issue is specific to a PFI procurement route or to procurement of the project in general;
• consider the case for a delay to the start of the procurement, if this can address the concern;
• reconsider the criteria to be set out in the OJEU Notice and determine whether there is another way to deliver the business requirement; and
• reconsider the PFI route and the possibility of switching to other forms of procurement.
4.7 If the specific characteristics of a project suggest a different procurement route to PFI as identified at the programme level, then this deviation should be fully explained and documented. Market soundings undertaken throughout the procurement should be based on a well-researched, well-constructed project once outcomes and objectives have been clarified. It should, however, be noted that problems can arise if the procuring authority use market soundings to shape its objectives.
4.8 Procuring authorities must consider the results of the quantitative assessment in the context of the wider qualitative conclusions. Procuring authorities at this stage should also consider the appropriate criteria for Stage 3 and satisfy themselves that these are likely to be achievable as part of their qualitative assessment. Evidence of this should be included in the OBC.