The type of reality check or review conducted depends largely on the complexity of the project. The extent of the review process can range from a comprehensive audit of the calculations in the model to independent advice on the raw cost estimates. As it is usual for the scope of the project to change during the development of the public sector comparator , the reality check is important in ensuring that the estimated costs are consistent with the scope. As stated earlier, continual checking of the reference project and communication between the government project team, technical advisors and financial advisors regarding changes to the scope of project services will help to ensure that the assumptions underlying the public sector comparator are robust.
A review of risk adjustments could be performed by comparing the percentage likelihood of the risk occurring, and the associated cost impact to empirical evidence from previous projects.