The assessment of private sector interest in the potential project will be based on existing expertise and knowledge of the market, supplemented where necessary with market sounding. This market sounding should further explore the potential range of solutions to a service requirement, and determine the market appetite for involvement in the potential project.
In undertaking a process of market sounding, agencies should ensure they adequately focus their enquiries to avoid burdening private sector parties. Various industry associations may provide a useful reference point for coordinating private sector input. Market sounding should be conducted without prejudice, given the early stage of the government's investigation, and all parties should be conscious of probity issues throughout the process.