3.2 PROCEDURES FOR IDENTIFYING THE RIGHT PPP PROVIDER

3.2.1 This chapter provides guidance on the process for identifying the PPP provider. In conjunction with this guide, Government Procuring Entities (GPEs) should also comply with the guidelines in the Government's Instruction Manual (IM) on selective tendering procedures.

3.2.2 Essentially, under the process, government procuring entities (GPEs) should:

a) sound out the market on their proposed PPP approach, so as to gather as early as possible (3-6 months before the issue of the PPP tender), feedback from the private sector;

b) follow the MOF gateway process, where projects above $500 million or those that are more complex in nature are subject to staged approvals for concept, design and implementation;

c) adopt the selective tender for the PPP tender to select the PPP provider;

d) pre-qualify tenderers for participation in the Invitation to Tender stage of the PPP tender;

e) address and consider the feedback and concerns raised by the potential bidders during the time gap between the issue of the PPP tender documents (including the draft PPP contract) and the closure of the tender. If need be, the GPE should thereafter amend the tender documents and must make known these changes openly. All potential bidders will then be aware of these revised tender documents before they submit their bids and the tender closes;

f) avoid negotiation with bidders once the tender is closed; and

g) keep proper records of the entire PPP process, including decisions and actions taken during the process and the reasons. These records should be retained for a period required by the Instruction Manual.

Figure 3.2.1 Flowchart of the PPP Procurement Process