The objectives of the public-private partnership frameworks are:
■ To guide the GOA approach to assessing and approving public-private partnerships (P3s) for capital infrastructure projects. The framework is intended to set the principles around which P3s are conducted in Alberta while allowing sufficient flexibility to appropriately structure individual projects;
■ To ensure decisions on using P3s are made based on a value for money assessment consistently applied to all potential projects. A P3 approach should be cost-effective over the life of the proposed agreement as measured using a methodology that is consistent for Alberta projects;
■ To ensure that all GOA P3 projects use a consistent approach using the approved Alberta method. Alberta has an approved P3 procurement approach and documentation that have delivered successful projects. In addition, potential bidders understand Alberta's documents and approach. The framework requires a consistent approach be used but allows for differences required for different types of infrastructure projects. The framework also allows changes to the methodology provided appropriate approvals are obtained; and
■ To ensure that the approval process is understood and followed. P3s usually result in long-term contracts that obligate the province to make payments over a number of years. Given the potential implications of these long-term projects a formal approval process that includes Treasury Board Committee and Cabinet has been developed. Understanding the approval process and allowing sufficient time in the procurement to obtain the required approvals will help ensure timely completion of P3 procurements.
By establishing this P3 framework the GOA is defining what it considers a P3, setting out the principles on which P3 projects are based, establishing key criteria for projects that could be considered for P3 procurement, setting out the approval and procurement processes and defining key areas where judgment needs to be applied.
Identifying and delivering successful P3 projects depends on the cooperation and knowledge of a number of employees within various ministries with a range of skills. The initial identification of potential P3 projects commences with the Capital Planning Process (as set out in the Capital Planning Manual used internally by GOA). The Capital Planning Process is a key starting point for identifying potential P3 projects and evaluating them in a timely manner.