The project brief is the document that guides Proponents in the preparation of binding bids. Read in conjunction with the data room material, the project brief provides proponents with a comprehensive overview of the proposed project and the rules governing the binding bid process. Information should be made available to shortlisted proponents without prejudice. To this end, material provided should incorporate appropriate disclaimers.
The project brief is based on factual information obtained and developed during previous stages. Typical elements of the project brief include:
∙ comprehensive background information
∙ the output specification
∙ the risk allocation matrix
∙ any known legal, regulatory, or policy constraints or requirements (e.g. local industry policy requirements)
∙ key findings from material assessments such as environmental, planning, cultural heritage, native title and any other specialist technical studies
∙ expectations regarding government contributions to the project
∙ the rules under which the binding bid process will be conducted, including lodgement requirements, bid submission format, reservation of rights, communication protocol and treatment of non-conforming bids
∙ the evaluation criteria
∙ the key milestones of the binding bid stage and associated timeframes
∙ specification of information required to be provided in the binding bids.