12.1 While the Authority is preparing for Handback, it will also need to continue the ongoing contract management of the contract to ensure ongoing service delivery. Authorities should consider the requirement for additional resource to cover both the ongoing contract management and the processes associated with the Handback project. The interrelation between the two should be recognised and we would expect that the contract manager will be a member of the project team.
12.2 In particular, the process of ensuring that issues identified in an initial survey (as to which see 11 above) are rectified or, as the case may be, planned and implemented by future lifecycle replacement is inextricably linked to the ongoing processes of reactive repair rectification and comment on, and approval of, lifecycle plans and ongoing monitoring. An important issue is planning to ensure access will be available for lifecycle replacement to take place (particularly in acute health facilities that operate 24/7 and community facilities in schools that operate year round). This reinforces the importance of beginning Handback planning at an early stage.
12.3 Contract managers should consider increased scrutiny of PPM and breakdown trends particularly of plant and equipment so as to identify any additional lifecycle replacement requirements that might not have been identified in an initial survey.
12.4 As the Authority defines its future use of the Facility (assuming it is not vacating), the requirement might well arise for alterations to the Facility and hence increases in or more material variations. Depending on the type of variations, lifecycle requirement might be affected, and this should be taken into account by the Authority. This will form part of the ongoing contract management.
12.5 As has been discussed at operational contract management regional groups, we would expect that contract managers would monitor and closely manage the contracts in accordance with good practice. This should enable the Authority to achieve the service and standards to which it is entitled, while maintaining a constructive and open relationship with the private sector parties.