2 We looked in depth at a sample of eight PFI projects, which were chosen to reflect the diversity of the Department's PFI portfolio. We selected two training projects, two equipment projects, two accommodation projects and two other support projects. The total number selected allowed reasonable coverage in terms of cost, project maturity (procurement to service delivery) and the divide between operational and support projects.
3 We reviewed key documentation for each of the projects, primarily in order to ascertain the type and nature of risk processes employed by that project, but also to gather core information such as key dates and also to scrutinise contractual features such as the payment and performance regimes. Examples of the types of documents reviewed from the procurement phase of projects include:
■ Invitation to Negotiate
■ Bidder Submissions
■ Bid Evaluations
■ Contract
■ Project Meeting Minutes
■ Public Sector Comparator
■ Advisers' Reports
■ Project Approval Documents
■ Proposed Risk Matrix
■ Financial Models
We also reviewed the following types of document from the in-service phase of projects:
■ Risk Procedures
■ Risk Matrix
■ Monthly Meeting Minutes - Operational and Steering
■ Contract Monitoring Reports
■ Payment Reports
4 In addition, we held a series of semi-structured interviews, both with individuals and small groups of key personnel from the public and private sector on all eight projects. Interviews tended to last around two hours. In total across the eight case studies we conducted interviews with 46 representatives from the public sector and 16 from the private sector. These representatives from the public sector included project managers, business managers, user representatives, technical staff, financial and commercial staff. We also observed the facilities and demonstrations of the equipment.