Although not in itself a distinct phase of the project itself (as it will run concurrently with the service period) the Authority should state in the Output Specification its requirements for the handback of the assets.
In the descriptive documents (i.e. the Authority’s instructions to bidders contained in the Invitation to Submit Detailed Solutions (ISDS)) the Authority will need to state the required residual life of the principal components of the RWTF. Typically a 5 year residual life is required to ensure that the assets are in good working order post contract expiry, thereby providing the Authority with flexibility concerning its residual waste treatment option. Based on the residual life requirements, bidders will bid back in their proposals a detailed programme of maintenance of the asset during the term of the Contract. Output Specification drafting assures that the project assets revert to the Authority on expiry of the Contract. Where these assets do not revert to the Authority, the maintenance provisions will need to be considered in light of any arrangements for access to capacity at the facility post Contract expiry.