Contract administration and oversight is about anticipating and managing risk.
Savings and other benefits do not automatically flow from a PFP. Whatever the estimated value for money of such a contract when it is first signed, subsequent poor management can result in higher costs, wasted resources, impaired performance and public concern.
We examined the arrangements for:
■ what needs to be done by whom and when
■ how the Government's role will be performed.
We found that DET has established a dedicated team to be responsible for the day-to-day management of the contract and liaison with the schools when necessary. The team liaises closely with school principals in the new schools. The DET finance area handles the payment of monthly invoices.