Participants with experience of both Australian and Canadian projects cite differences in information requirements, particularly in relation to the level of design, as one of the main sources of the difference in bid costs between the two countries. Canada generally requires less information than Australia, relying more on the preferred bidder developing its proposal (both before and after contractual close) and on the protections within the project contract. However, a related feature of its approach is that there is less of an emphasis on architectural design and on design innovation than in Australia , which also may reduce its information requirements.
One example cited by a Participant is the perceived need in Australia (but not in Canada) to develop architectural models and video presentations of architectural design. However, we note that Governments typically do not formally require such models or presentations: bidders provide them because they feel they need to in order to enhance their competitive position.