B. Good governance in PPP procurement

Although countries have their own distinct procurement regulations, there is a common element in the procurement process of all countries that have successful PPP programmes. This common element that underlines their own unique approaches to PPP procurement is a transparent, neutral process based on the common principles of good governance. The countries follow a process that promotes competition and a balance between the need to reduce the length of time and cost of the whole procurement process. The main objective of such a process is to acquire the best proposal that serves the purpose of the government and provides the value for money. The main characteristics of such a procurement process include:

• Open and unbiased tendering process that provides equal opportunity to all prospective bidders

• Not a one-way process

Characteristics of good governance in PPP procurement

• Schedule of requirements is finalized through a two-way communication and based on what the best possible solution the private sector can offer

• Avoids costly retendering

• Ensures wide participation of the private bidders by eliminating costly design efforts before the contract is finally awarded. The actual bidding is designed in such a way as to establish reasonable limits on cost in tender preparation; and

• When applicable, a two-step tendering process is considered to avoid costly design exercises in the first stage.