9. Once the stage of choosing between PFI and non-PFI options has passed, the public sector comparator becomes less relevant. At all times, however, during the procurement negotiations departments need to keep in view the best alternative to proceeding with the PFI deal. In some cases the best alternative may be the public sector comparator project but it is likely that as time passes the real alternative to proceeding with the PFI deal will be some other project: a different technical solution, or a project delivering different benefits. Retaining a choice of action is particularly important during negotiations with bidders to maintain pressure on the price and avoid increases in the cost of the deal.