2.35 PFI is one of the three recommended methods for government construction procurement. The other two are Design and Build, and Prime Contracting. Under Design and Build a single supplier is responsible for both the design and construction of the asset. Prime Contracting extends this approach so that the single supplier - the Prime Contractor - co-ordinates and manages all activities through the design and construction period to ensure the asset is fit for its purpose and meets predicted whole life costs.
2.36 These procurement methods aim to transfer risk to those best able to manage it, and to improve integration between contracting parties in construction projects. If followed properly where appropriate, these approaches and the PFI will help to improve value for money for these projects.