The government project team is likely to require technical specialists. The skills required depend upon the nature of the project. Likely skills include design, construction, quantity surveying and engineering skills. Where projects involve technology, technical consultants are required to assist with drafting appropriate performance specifications, evaluating the technical components of bids, and auditing or inspecting systems during the testing and implementation phase. Specific technical advice may be of particular use-for example, in the following areas:
• assistance with defining an output specification for the physical asset and services to be provided under the proposed arrangement
• technical assumptions to be used in the public private partnership business case, including the public sector comparator
• assistance with drafting the request for expression of interest and request for binding bid documents
• assistance with technical evaluation of bids, including capability of contractors
• assistance with technical aspects of risk assessment
• valuing assets that may be sold or transferred as part of a public private partnership proposal
• technical aspects of facilities management, including the development of appropriate payment mechanisms and the monitoring and measuring of service delivery performance.