5 In November to February 2006, we carried out some background scoping work to identify issues in the PFI tendering process through a web based sample survey of 86 central government PFI projects (including PFI schools) that had closed between 1995 and 2004. The sample was based on selecting up to 10 of the largest PFI projects across each of 15 Departments - though in most cases Departments had not carried out this many PFI projects. We received responses from 74 projects out of 86, covering £9.9 billion capital value or over 70 per cent of the total of £14 billion capital value of all central government and schools PFI deals in England closing up to 2004.
6 As well as general information, the survey responses also provided some useful and representative historical data that have been used in the report, particularly on trends in market interest. Non-responses were even across sectors, tending to be more common for older projects. Topics covered in the web based sample survey were:
■ Fit with business requirements.
■ Project management.
■ Balance of affordability, quality and finance structure.
■ Risk allocation and management.