Agencies contemplating engaging with the private sector in the delivery of a particular project must establish a project team as soon as possible in order to scope the project and develop a project management structure. The project team leader should report to the agency chief executive or a nominated delegate, and it is the responsibility of chief executives to ensure that the project is adequately resourced at all times. Clear project objectives should be established as early as possible and there should be clear lines of accountability for achieving these objectives.
The project team members should be selected on the basis of their skill and experience. The skill requirements of the team will change over time, so it is important that the team has access to necessary skills when required. For example, negotiating skills may not be a key skill requirement at the commencement of the project, but will be critical at the tendering and negotiation stage.
The project team must maintain adequate records of the project development process, including minutes of team meetings and a clear record of decisions taken.
External advice should be sought in cases where the required skills are not available in-house. The appointment of advisers is subject to the Government's current guidelines on the appointment of consultants and advisers.