1.6.2 The role of agencies in procuring PFPs

The procuring agency has overall responsibility for delivering a PFP and for ensuring the project will meet its service requirements. Depending on the capabilities of the procuring agency, it should seek either assistance from The Department of Commerce or an accredited (by the Department of Commerce) external consultant for project management and other technical support.

The Private Projects Branch of Treasury is responsible for ensuring that agencies adhere to the processes set out in these Guidelines. Treasury assists agencies in the procurement of PFPs by assisting with the preparation of required documents and the Public Sector Comparator (see section 7) and participating in the tender evaluation process. The level of assistance provided by Treasury will vary according to the procuring agency's level of relevant experience.

The Auditor-General is responsible for certifying the accuracy of the Contract Summary prepared by the procuring agency. In addition, the agency should consult the Auditor-General early in the process on the likely contract structure and the proposed accounting treatment for the PFP.

Other agencies, like the Infrastructure Implementation Group of the Premier's Department and the Cabinet Office may also be involved in a PFP. Whether they are involved and what role they have will be determined on a case-by-case basis.

The Director-General of the Premier's Department is the first point of contact for unsolicited proposals and will co-ordinate any assessment of these proposals.

Castwood Transport Interchange platform (Photo courtesy of CRI Australia)