12.2.3  Design evaluation issues

Some of the issues that may arise as part of the design evaluation include:

Functionality of design.  The ability of the design to enable government to deliver its core services is a key evaluation criterion.  The design requirements of the RFP should be used as the basis of the evaluation. The proposed solution should be measured to determine the extent to which it meets these requirements.  Some of the specific issues to be considered may include the impact of government staff numbers and how the design maximises government's opportunity to provide the core services in the best possible manner.

Performance specifications.  The RFP is likely to contain a range of technical performance criteria.  The evaluation of these should focus on how the proposed solution addresses these required outputs.

Flexibility.  The flexibility of the proposed solution and therefore the opportunity to enable change should be evaluated.  Given the long-term nature of these contracts, the ability to incorporate change is critical to the success of the project.  For example, it is very likely that the specific manner in which the core services are delivered will change on a number of occasions over 25 years.  Therefore, the ability of the design to enable this change without material amendment to the physical infrastructure is a key consideration.