E.3  Providing feedback

The core of an interactive process is providing direct and specific feedback to bidders on the aspects of their bid development presented to government.  It is emphasised that the purpose of feedback is to provide clarity to bidders on the state's requirements and expectations.  The purpose is not to prescribe the content of bids or lead them to a particular solution.

In principle, all feedback provided should be as specific as possible, and be accompanied by a clear rationale. Feedback to tenderers (both positive and negative) should ideally go beyond simply pointing out references to the RFP documentation (though these references are important for establishing a consistent logic and context for the state's feedback).

The principle of open communication is key to the success of the workshops and therefore the limitation of communication to a central spokesperson should be avoided.  In general all attendees at the workshops should be encouraged to participate in the discussion to ensure that the issues are appropriately discussed.  However, from a practical point of view, a single spokesperson providing feedback following government 'break out' sessions has been used effectively in the past.