2.3.  Stage 3

The Stage 3 assessment of value for money during procurement and delivery focuses on reconfirming that the selected scope and procurement options continue to deliver the best VfM and, in particular, that effectiveness of delivery remains on track.

Effective Delivery

  Stable scope with good change control

  Opportunities for market value engineering offered and delivered

  Stakeholders clearly managed

  Statutory processes progressed

  Realistic procurement timetable that recognises wider market activity

  Procurement strategy and timetable clearly communicated

  Procurement well resourced and managed to time / budget

  Thorough and robust evaluation strategy and process

  Commercial positions understood, agreed and documented clearly

  Standard contract positions adopted and derogations process followed

  Technical, financial and legal processes and documentation well integrated

  Affordability position maintained & aligned with scope / specification being procured

  Market failure / market abuse monitored and acted on if necessary

  Alternative financing approaches considered and evaluated

  Funding competition considered and implemented if required

  Financing terms evaluated to deliver a taut market financing package

  Robust contract management arrangements in place to maintain value in operation

The documentation of this assessment will generally be via Key Stage Reviews ("KSR") undertaken during the procurement phase and a business case prior to the award of a contract.

Following contract award, the following steps to maintain value for money should be undertaken:

i)  a post-project review of the project development and procurement stage, focussing on the drivers of value for money identified at the outset and the extent to which these have been delivered and any lessons learned;

ii)  a project management plan covering construction, commissioning and operation focussing on continuity management.

Following building occupation the following steps to evaluate the value for money achieved should be completed:

i)  a post-occupancy evaluation involving systematic evaluation of opinion about the facilities / assets in use, from the perspective of the people who use them;

ii)  a refresh of the post-project review to include delivery, commissioning and handover phases.