Unsolicited proposals and public private partnerships

Private sector proponents may submit unsolicited proposals when they believe that they can provide a service to the benefit of the public, the local government and to themselves.

It is recommended that local governments not consider unsolicited proposals for the following reasons:

• The benefits of public private partnerships is that they take advantage of competition among private sector partners. Unsolicited proposals cannot be compared to proposals from other potential private partners.

• The potential for perception of bias and unfair procurement procedures is greater with unsolicited proposals.

• The Municipal Act requires public accountability and transparency in structuring public private partnerships. Unsolicited proposals may not fare well in the public process.