7.  Approval process



In accordance with the national PPP guidelines, the key government approval steps include:

Stage

Approval Required

Government approval of project and procurement method

Government approves:

c)  the investment decision based on a business case; and

d)  the procurement model based on the procurement options analysis/strategy.

Government approval of EOI

Government approves release of EOI document.

Government approval of PSC

Government approves the public sector comparator (may be earlier than this point).

Government approval of short-listed bidders and request for proposal

Government approves release of list of short-listed bidders and the request for proposal to short-listed bidders. Procurement Review Board approval to the shortlist is required prior to consideration and approval by government generally (see Section Eight below).

Government approval of preferred bidder

Following evaluation of responses, government approves the preferred bidder. Procurement Review Board approval to the shortlist is required prior to general government consideration and approval (see Section Eight below).

Government approval of contract execution

Following negotiations, government or the portfolio minister in consultation with the Treasurer approves contract execution and financial close.

Government approval of material contract variations

Subject to existing delegated authority, there is an ongoing requirement for material contract variations to be considered and approved by ministers.