2.1  What we looked for

It is important for the successful delivery of any project that an organisation states its requirements clearly from the start. Otherwise there is the risk that it will end up with a project that does not meet its real needs. Also, prior to going out to tender, a procuring organisation needs to demonstrate that the proposed project is likely to provide value for money when compared to other options that could address its needs.

Value for money consists not simply of the lowest cost, but the best combination of cost and quality over the whole life of a project. Evaluating value for money involves assessing non-financial, as well as financial, benefits and costs.

We looked at whether DET had:

■  a clear understanding of its requirements

■  demonstrated that the proposed project was likely to provide value for money when compared to other options that could address its needs

■  established that the proposed project was likely to be affordable

■  identified that allocation of risks between the public and private sectors that was most likely to deliver better value for money

■  scoped the project to maximise its prospects of achieving value for money.

Kellyville Ridge Public School Opened in 2004