4.2.16 Each phase of a PPP project has a different set of focus areas:
a) Preparation for the long term management of the PPP provider has to begin right at the procurement phase. The GPE must get the PPP contract right, and involve the post-procurement PPP contract management teams from both itself and the PPP bidders in the process for selecting the PPP provider;
b) During the construction phase, the primary focus of the GPE is to monitor the PPP provider's progress towards meeting the service commencement date. The GPE should only monitor the PPP provider's implementation procedures to ensure that the latter is able to deliver the services on time;
c) During the service delivery phase, the GPE's focus is on assessing and managing the performance of the PPP provider to meet the standards as specified in the PPP contract to realise value for money gains; and
d) During the contract termination or expiry phase, the GPE's main concern is to ensure a smooth transition of service delivery from the PPP provider to the GPE or to another service provider. This is critical as the GPE is still responsible for delivering its core services to the public.
4.2.17 The GPE's contract management team should reflect the various skills and knowledge required to effectively discharge contract management responsibilities over the life of the project. The main focus of the contract management team is to facilitate an "intelligent customer" approach, and not to interfere with the way the services are delivered by the PPP provider provided the service specifications under the PPP contract are met.
4.2.18 Last but not least, given the long tenure of the PPP project and possible turnover of contract management staff at both the GPE and the PPP provider, contract administration processes (including clearly defined procedures and well-maintained documentation) are very crucial to institutionalize the knowledge and procedures for managing the PPP contracts.