14. The final business case comprises notably the following studies:
1° Value analysis of the preferred option
This study is designed to obtain the best value from the preferred option by conducting comparative evaluations of the materials and approaches. It is conducted once the preliminary plans and specifications are completed and takes into consideration the following aspects:
a) Efficiency
b) Costs
c) Productivity
d) Quality
e) Timeframes
For a PPP or turnkey project, however, this study does not form part of the final business case submitted to Cabinet. This is the responsibility of the company or group of companies that will construct the infrastructure.
2° Detailed plans and specifications and cost estimates
This study develops the detailed plans and specifications and cost estimates.
In the case of a PPP or turnkey project, this study determines the performance specifications.
3° Project management plan
The management plan identifies the strategies and project management methods from the beginning to the end of the project, taking into consideration the following aspects in particular:
a) Human resources
b) Financing
c) Quality assurance
d) Safety
e) Timeframes
4° Major risk management plan
This plan ensures that the appropriate updates were made to the risk analyses as the project was fine tuned and reevaluates whether the contingencies still meet the needs. It must take into consideration the following risks in particular:
a) Sociopolitical
b) Environmental
c) Financial
d) Market-related
e) Technical
f) Operational
g) Respect of deadlines
5° Update of cost-benefit and budgetary impact analyses
This study is designed to update the cost-benefit and budgetary impact analyses of the preferred option.
6° Project team
This study is designed to ensure that the human resources allocated to the project (including professionals) are sufficient and that they have the necessary expertise.
7° Estimated capital cost and timeframe
This study indicates the following:
a) The estimated capital cost for the project and the potential margin of error
b) The project completion timeframe
It also specifies the estimated maintenance cost of the infrastructure over its life cycle.
8° Communications plan
This study updates and discusses the communications strategy related to the infrastructure project.
15. For projects using the PPP approach, in addition to the studies mentioned in Section 14 and taking into account any necessary adaptations, the final business case comprises the draft PPP agreement, based on a precise procurement strategy, which generally comprises the following steps:
1° Request for information, to get an idea of the level of interest in the business community and obtain companies' comments on the future project (optional step)
2° Request for qualification, which is a request to candidates to demonstrate the following:
a) Their technical capacity to design, construct, operate, and maintain the infrastructure under a PPP
b) Their ability to finance the work and their competence with regard to putting the financing in place
3° Request for proposals, which allows companies or groups of companies that have passed the request for qualification to submit a proposal covering both technical and financial aspects
These main steps in the procurement strategy are checked by a fairness advisor, who rules whether implementation of the procurement strategy complies with the principles of probity, equity, and transparency.
16. For each phase of a multi-phase project, the public body draws up a final business case, which summarizes the overall project and the phases that are ongoing or completed, and includes the studies specified in Section 14 for the phase that is to be carried out.
17. The chief executive officer of the public body responsible for the project and that of Infrastructure Québec approve the content and conclusions of the final business case.
For the purposes of applying this framework policy, the chief executive officer of the public body is defined in Section 8 of the Act respecting contracting by public bodies (R.S.Q., c. C-65.1). In the case of Agence métropolitaine de transport, it is the CEO.
18. Based on work carried out by the public body responsible for the project and by Infrastructure Québec, the board of directors of Infrastructure Québec approves the final business case.
19. The minister responsible for the public body submits a brief to Cabinet to obtain approval for the final business case and the authorization to carry out the project.
Prior to the decision by Cabinet, a recommendation from the Conseil du trésor is required on the final business case, following an analysis by the Secrétariat du Conseil du trésor in view of the application of this framework policy.