3.25 Although benchmarking is normally the responsibility of the PPP contractor, the exercise should be seen as a working partnership. The public sector should be mindful of exercising its client role without infringing the PPP contractor's responsibility. Information should be shared and regular communication maintained throughout the process. This should include scheduled meetings with all parties and plans to keep all stakeholders informed of the progress of the benchmarking process and of the outcome and its implications.
3.26 It is up to the PPP contractor to show that the benchmark price of the services represents value for money to the public sector. This will be done through the process being clear, transparent and auditable. At the same time, the public sector client needs to act as an intelligent customer, to know and communicate clearly what information is required.