Environmental, planning, cultural heritage, native title and other specialist issues require consideration and analysis during the development of project delivery options. Where unresolved or not addressed, these issues may impact the viability of those project delivery options being considered. A number of specialist studies will be used to inform the reference project, public private partnership project, public sector comparator and partnership model.
Undertaking these studies (or elements thereof) may also be a viable risk management strategy. Understanding risk better through the study may provide a better understanding of the risk and the management options available.
These studies (if undertaken) could be made available to bidders during the binding bid stage (stage 5). However, a careful analysis of the risks and benefits of making these studies available to bidders needs to be undertaken prior to a decision being made. If a decision is made to release the studies, care must be taken to ensure that warranties appropriate to the studies are provided with them. However, if government provides warranty as to the reliability of material, it may increase its own exposure to risk.
Some specialist studies may be lengthy in nature, and as such, may not be completed prior to finalisation of business case development. Provided the issues which will impact upon the viability and timing of a project can be appropriately included in the business case, these studies need not necessarily be completed until the beginning of the binding bid stage. The studies should be completed in sufficient time to allow the bidders (if appropriate) to access the information and include appropriate responses in their binding bid.
Given that these issues may have a significant impact on the viability and timing of a project, careful and particular consideration of each is important. While most issues were likely highlighted in the preliminary assessment, all will need further consideration and, potentially, a greater level of analysis during business case development.