Structure of the Guide

As shown in Table 1 below, the structure of the Guide follows the four key phases of the PPP project cycle.

Table 1  •  PPP project cycle and structure of the Guide: phases, stages and steps

Phases

Stages

Steps

1.  Project Identification

1.1  Project selection and definition

•  Identification

•  Output specifications

1.2  Assessment of the PPP option

•  Affordability

•  Risk allocation

•  Eurostat treatment

•  Bankability

•  Value for money

2.  Detailed Preparation

2.1  Getting organised

Project team

•  Advisory team

•  Plan and timetable

2.2 Before launching the tender

•  Further studies

•  Detailed PPP design

•  Procurement method

•  Bid evaluation criteria

•  Draft PPP contract

3. Procurement

3.1  Bidding process

•  Notice and prequalification

•  Invitation to tender

•  Interaction with bidders

•  Contract award

3.2  PPP contract and financial close

•  Final PPP contract

•  Financing agreements

•  Financial close

4.  Project Implementation

4.1  Contract management

•  Management responsibilities

•  Monitoring service outputs

•  Changes to the PPP contract

•  Dispute resolution

•  PPP contract termination

4.2  Ex post evaluation

•  Institutional framework

•  Analytical framework

Each chapter of the Guide deals with a "phase" of the PPP project cycle and is broken down into two "stages". For each stage, the Guide identifies the key "steps" which the Authority and its advisers need to take before moving to the next stage. The discussion of the key steps includes the rationale for the step, the key tasks involved and references to  Guidance sources in order to improve understanding of those tasks.

In addition:

•  specific issues, for example traffic risks and payment mechanisms, are developed in more detail with text boxes because of their fundamental role in the design of the PPP arrangements; and

•  checklists are included at the end of each stage to remind the reader of the key tasks that have to be fulfilled before moving to the next stage

Three annexes complete the Guide. Annex 1 covers the basics of project finance that are relevant to PPP projects in general. Annex 2 is a note on the legal frameworks for PPPs. Annex 3 deals with combining EU Cohesion and Structural Funds with PPPs.