3.2.1  Timetable management

Timetable development and management is a key factor in successfully delivering the project. Significant attention should be paid to the procurement timetable and to ensuring all parties adhere to the timetable. Bidders are required to meet certain timeframes and this discipline should be matched by the Procuring Agency in document development, project review process (i.e. Gateway), bid evaluation and approval processes.

Additionally, consultation with key stakeholder and community groups is a key aspect of ensuring the project will deliver its goals, objectives and ultimately, the desired services. Sufficient time for this consultation should be built into the timetable.  This consultation will need to be carefully planned; Section 15 provides further details on communication during the PPP process.

Practical experience also demonstrates that time spent in preparing the RFP to a high standard can reduce the time and volume of issues required to be addressed as part of the negotiation phase. Likewise, time spent in running an efficient and tight procurement process can lead to efficiencies in the construction phase.

The project lifecycle stages and approximate timelines are outlined in the table below.

Table 3‑1:  Project lifecycle stages and timelines