The Responsible Agency, in consultation with NSW Treasury, may conduct early bidder interactions where this may help inform the RFP information and requirements. This may be the case, for example, for very complex projects where output specification could lead to highly varied design or engineering solutions or poorly formed bids, or where the service scope is very broad or there are complex commercial risk allocation issues (e.g. utilities risk on light rail projects).
It is paramount that the Responsible Agency is clear in the RFP about the level of acceptable and/or limitations on innovations with respect to design, engineering and service solutions. The output specification must reflect Government's key priorities and any mandatory minimum requirements.
The Responsible Agency should also take into account the probity framework.