The Review shall address the following three key objectives. The first two objectives interlink but may be addressed on a separate basis by the Consultant within the Review, if appropriate. Objective three should be provided for separately in the Review. The Review shall provide conclusions and recommendations. It shall also propose improvements based on the Review findings and other observations which could be made to the PPP process, taking account, to the extent possible, of any improvements which have already been implemented in subsequent PPP projects.
Objective 1: To compare Pilot Schools and conventionally delivered schools
The Consultant is required to examine the key aspects of delivery of the Pilot Schools and to compare these against conventionally delivered schools. In particular, the Review shall assess the comparative costs, adjusted as necessary, to ensure an appropriate comparison of construction, and operation and maintenance of the representative group of conventionally delivered schools relative to the Pilot Schools. This comparison shall include but is not limited to:
• An evaluation of the degree to which the Pilot Schools is performing, including from a value for money perspective, when compared with the conventionally delivered schools in respect of:
- Design and functionality
- Building standards, including condition and residual life
- Furniture and equipment, including evidence of renewal
- Ongoing operations and maintenance, including all relevant services provided
- Flexibility to take account of developments in educational needs/policy
- The level of administration for schools and DoE/NDFA
• A review and examination of the risk profile of the Pilot Schools and conventionally delivered schools. The Review shall identify any risks that have materialised, provide observations on how retained/shared/transferred risks have been managed and assess the implications for DoE.
• Identify and assess the extent to which the Pilot Schools and conventionally delivered school buildings are used outside of school hours for community or other purposes.
• Identify and assess any third-party income received by the schools, e.g., from catering and vending, pitches, Sports Halls, etc.
Objective 2: To assess the extent to which the DoE objectives in delivering the Pilot Schools have been achieved.
The Consultant is required to assess the extent to which the DoE objectives in pursuing the PPP model developed for the Pilot Schools have been met to date. Consideration will be given to the approach adopted by the DoE in its procurement and the award criteria used for the selection of the PPP Operator.
1. These objectives (as identified in the C&AG report) include the following:
a. Test the value for money of delivering school provision on a design, build, finance, manage and maintain basis over a long period.
b. Obtain new ideas and private sector innovation on school design through an output-based approach.
c. Relieve school principals of the responsibility for managing school buildings, allowing them instead to concentrate on their core educational and school management functions.
d. Achieve better use of State-funded school buildings outside of regular school hours.
2. In order to address this objective, the Consultant will be required to:
a. Assess the level and extent of performance deductions made and consider these in the context of the objectives of the Review.
b. Assess the processes that monitor delivery and application of these performance deductions.
c. Review the extent to which benchmarking and market testing of the testable services have assisted in the management of the contract.
d. Identify the scope, if any, for improved delivery of objectives within the Pilot Schools contractual framework.
Objective 3: To develop a methodology/ template for use by the DoE in other project reviews of PPPs in the education sector
The Consultant is required to develop a methodology for future "look back" - project reviews to be carried out by the DoE in respect of other education PPP projects. This should set out the approach and act as a template for use by the DoE for use on other reviews.