PFI Assurance Issue:

3. Timescales (timetable and strategy to close & in-service delivery)

…to provide assurance that the PFI contract will be (or continues to be) achievable where the plan & timescales proposed are realistic (when allowing for past performance, best practice, available IPT/industry resources & skills and when compared to relevant guidance), and are sufficiently detailed for the project phase identifying all key activities reflecting PFI acquisition processes.

Commercial/Financial Assurance Guide Ref:

DE&S Commercial Assurance Guidance: 14. Contractual Process

Relevant MOD policy/guidance used as measure for assurance:

Relevant external policy/guidance used as measure for assurance:

• [MOD PFU Guidance Note - Negotiation of PFI Projects]17

• [MOD Guidance Note - Tips on using estimates, assumptions & cost inputs when analysing affordability & vfm of PFI projects]18

• AOF guidance

Evidence Required for each Procurement Phase

All phases:

• Project gantt chart or timetable (plan relevant to phase)

• Fallback Plan (and trigger points)

Up to Initial Gate:

Up to Market Engagement:

Up to close dialogue and Preferred Bidder appointment:

Up to Main Gate:

Up to Contract Award:

Post Contract Award:

• Bidders acceptance of agreed timetable

• Negotiation timetable/diary with key dates and outline agendas

• Evidence of performance against contract timescales (assets being delivered on time and contract milestones achieved)

• Evidence of timescales processing/delivering changes