5.4.3 Government approval

Government approval may be required before:

• proceeding with a preferred bidder to the final negotiation phase where there is a clear preferred bidder following the evaluation phase; or

• undertaking a BAFO or structured negotiation phase where it is decided to further shortlist in order to select a preferred bidder.

The application to government for approval should detail key features of the proposal and highlight the extent to which the bids have achieved value for money against the PSC benchmark and the qualitative criteria.

When seeking approval for a BAFO or structured negotiation phase, the application to government should outline a framework for the finalisation of outstanding issues as part of the negotiation phase. Depending on the policies approved by government at the expression of interest and request for proposal stages, specific approval for a BAFO may not be required. However, this should be clarified when considering a BAFO process.

Consideration should be given to whether any public announcement is appropriate at this stage or at the conclusion of negotiations.