2.1.3 Develop a plan and timetable for project preparation and procurement

A key initial task for the project management team or its advisers is to develop a detailed project plan, including a timetable for project preparation and procurement. The plan needs to take into account all the key steps in the process, including: Guidance 26

• document development;

• stakeholder consultation;

• the bidding process and private sector interface; and

• the government approval process.

PPP preparation is a complex undertaking with parallel activities feeding into critical paths. It is important that activities that are on the critical paths be initiated at the right time and monitored closely to ensure that they proceed as planned and do not cause delays to other activities. It is helpful to use project-planning software to create the timeline in the form of a "Gantt" chart. The chart can then be easily updated from time to time.

CHECKLIST: Getting organised

		Are all relevant project approvals in place?

		Is a credible and well-resourced team in place to manage project preparation and procurement?

		Are sufficient financial resources available to the Authority to cover the costs of the preparation and procurement phase?

		Are project governance structures and processes established to ensure effective decision making?

		Have credible and experienced advisers been appointed?

		Have all relevant stakeholders been identified and consulted to check their commitment to the project?

		Is a realistic procurement timetable in place for the procurement phase?