Delivery model screening is the comparison of capital projects against relevant high-level criteria to determine if a project is a candidate for a P3 delivery model. If the screening indicates that a project may be suitable for P3, then it may be examined in greater detail in the strategic assessment. Projects should be screened against the P3 delivery model screening criteria early (ideally, as they are identified and added to the queue of potential projects in each business unit's capital plan) so that a shortlist of potential P3 projects can be maintained, and so the delivery model business cases can be conducted in a timely manner that is integrated with the capital planning process.
The criteria against which each project should be screened include high level descriptions of factors such the stability of demand for the infrastructure, the service life, the market for bidders and legal considerations. A more complete description of the screening criteria is presented in Schedule 3.
Some of the screening criteria are quite straightforward, based on a comparison of readily-available project characteristics as developed through the traditional capital project planning process. However, some of the screening criteria require an understanding of a range of P3 delivery models, knowledge of the market of P3 service providers, and judgment based on experience. Therefore, it is recommended that a person who has a thorough knowledge of P3s be included in the screening assessment.
As a result, it may take some time for a sponsoring business unit1 to build the experience "in-house" to successfully apply the criteria on a routine basis and come to the appropriate conclusion. In the meantime, consultants and advisors experienced in P3 projects (P3 advisor) can assist in the application of the criteria. Technical advisors (engineers, architects, quantity surveyors) may also provide useful input to the application of screening criteria.
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1 The sponsoring business unit is the City business unit responsible for the project, e.g. for a water P3 project the sponsoring business unit is Water Services