B.4 In order to comply with SoPC4, each PFI contract must include all required drafting, as referenced in paragraph 1.4.1 of SoPC4. In addition, there are a number of clear contractual principles (without specific contractual drafting) set out in SoPC4 which must be complied with. Together, the required drafting and mandatory contractual principles are referred to as the "Core Areas".
B.5 If a PFI project wishes to derogate from a Core Area, it must submit a derogation request to Infrastructure UK for approval.
B.6 Where permissible alternative options to required drafting are provided in SoPC4, specific derogation approval is not required when using these alternatives (subject to compliance with relevant conditions of their use).
B.7 Where SoPC4 sets out "suggested" (as opposed to "required") drafting or approaches, individual procuring bodies and sponsoring departments will be responsible for assessing whether the approach taken in their contract is reasonable and compliant with the overall approach of SoPC4. HM Treasury will not require sight of these aspects of individual contracts.