In the intricate and long-term commitment of Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs), mastering PPP Project Lifecycle Management is paramount for both public authorities and private partners, ensuring that projects progress seamlessly from initial concept to successful operation and eventual handback, thereby maximizing value for money and delivering sustainable public services. Effective lifecycle management demands a holistic understanding of each phase – from strategic planning and rigorous feasibility studies to competitive procurement, robust contract negotiation, diligent construction oversight, and proactive operational management – alongside the ability to anticipate and adapt to evolving circumstances over decades. This comprehensive training course is meticulously designed to equip public sector officials, project managers, contract administrators, and private sector operators with the advanced knowledge and practical strategies required to navigate the complexities inherent in each stage of a PPP project, ensuring coordinated effort, effective risk mitigation, and continuous performance optimization. Without robust expertise in PPP Project Lifecycle Management, stakeholders risk project delays, cost overruns, performance failures, and potential disputes that undermine the very essence of long-term collaborative infrastructure delivery, underscoring the vital need for specialized expertise in this critical domain.

Duration: 10 Days

Target Audience

• Public Sector Officials from PPP Units, Line Ministries, and Project Management Units
• Private Sector Project Managers, Contract Managers, and Operations Directors
• Government Procurement Specialists and Legal Advisors
• Financial Institutions and Lenders involved in project monitoring
• Technical Experts and Engineers overseeing project execution
• Internal and External Auditors of PPP projects
• Consultants advising on PPP project implementation
• Asset Managers in both public and private sectors
• Anyone involved in the planning, execution, or oversight of a PPP project throughout its entire lifespan.

Objectives

• Understand the sequential phases of the PPP project lifecycle and their interdependencies.
• Learn about the critical activities and deliverables required at each stage.
• Acquire skills in conducting effective project preparation activities, including feasibility and appraisal.
• Comprehend techniques for designing and managing competitive procurement processes for PPPs.
• Explore strategies for negotiating and achieving financial close for complex projects.
• Understand the importance of diligent construction monitoring and quality assurance.
• Gain insights into proactive contract management and performance monitoring during operations.
• Develop a practical understanding of managing changes, variations, and renegotiations.
• Master the role of effective dispute resolution mechanisms throughout the lifecycle.
• Acquire skills in preparing for and managing asset handback at the end of the concession.
• Learn to apply international best practices and lessons learned from successful PPP lifecycle management.
• Comprehend techniques for ensuring continuous value for money and risk optimization.
• Explore strategies for leveraging digital tools and data analytics across the lifecycle.
• Understand the importance of stakeholder coordination and communication at every stage.
• Develop the ability to lead and implement effective PPP Project Lifecycle Management strategies.

Course Content

Module 1: Introduction to the PPP Project Lifecycle

• Overview of the PPP project lifecycle: from concept to handback.
• Interdependencies and iterative nature of different phases.
• The importance of a holistic lifecycle approach to maximize value.
• Key objectives at each stage of the project.
• Challenges of long-term project management in PPPs.

Module 2: Project Identification and Prioritization

• Strategic planning and needs assessment for infrastructure development.
• Criteria for identifying potential PPP projects: suitability, strategic alignment, public need.
• Preliminary screening and prioritization methodologies.
• Developing a robust PPP project pipeline.
• Role of early stakeholder engagement.

Module 3: Feasibility Studies and Project Appraisal

• Comprehensive feasibility analysis: technical, economic, financial, legal, environmental, social.
• Value for Money (VfM) assessment and Public Sector Comparator (PSC).
• Risk identification, assessment, and preliminary allocation.
• Affordability analysis and fiscal impact assessment.
• Decision-making at the appraisal stage (go/no-go).

Module 4: PPP Procurement Strategy Development

• Choosing the appropriate procurement method (e.g., open tender, competitive dialogue).
• Market sounding and engaging with potential bidders.
• Designing a transparent and competitive bidding process.
• Developing a detailed procurement plan and timeline.
• Legal and policy framework guiding procurement.

Module 5: Preparing Tender Documents and Information Management

• Drafting comprehensive Request for Qualifications (RFQ) and Request for Proposals (RFP).
• Developing clear output specifications and draft PPP contracts.
• Establishing data rooms and managing confidential project information.
• Ensuring consistency and clarity across all tender documents.
• Role of advisors in document preparation.

Module 6: Bid Evaluation and Selection

• Designing objective and measurable bid evaluation criteria.
• Establishing an independent and qualified evaluation committee.
• Technical, financial, legal, and commercial evaluation of bids.
• Managing the competitive dialogue process effectively.
• Selecting the preferred bidder and issuing the Letter of Award.

Module 7: Contract Negotiation and Financial Close

• Objectives and scope of contract negotiation.
• Key negotiation points: risk allocation, payment mechanisms, termination clauses.
• Strategies for effective negotiation with the preferred bidder.
• Satisfying conditions precedent (CPs) to financial close.
• Managing the roles of lenders, equity providers, and legal counsel.

Module 8: Construction and Project Implementation Oversight

• Monitoring construction progress against schedule and budget.
• Quality assurance and quality control mechanisms.
• Health, safety, and environmental (HSE) compliance.
• Managing change orders and variations during construction.
• Role of independent engineers and technical advisors.

Module 9: Contract Management and Performance Monitoring

• Establishing a dedicated contract management team.
• Implementing robust performance monitoring systems and KPIs.
• Verification of service delivery against Service Level Agreements (SLAs).
• Managing performance deductions and incentives.
• Regular reporting and communication between parties.

Module 10: Financial Management During Operations

• Monitoring project cash flows and revenue collection.
• Managing operating costs and financial covenants.
• Processing availability payments or collecting user fees.
• Fiscal oversight and management of contingent liabilities throughout the term.
• Refinancing considerations and opportunities.

Module 11: Managing Changes, Variations, and Renegotiations

• Contractual provisions for managing change in law, scope, or unforeseen events.
• Procedures for processing change requests and variations.
• Principles of good faith renegotiation to preserve project viability.
• Avoiding opportunistic renegotiations and ensuring public interest.
• Documentation and approval processes for changes.

Module 12: Dispute Resolution and Conflict Management

• Strategies for preventing disputes through effective communication and collaboration.
• Contractual dispute escalation mechanisms (e.g., negotiation, mediation, dispute boards).
• Arbitration vs. litigation in PPPs.
• Managing legal challenges and contractual breaches.
• Maintaining project continuity during disputes.

Module 13: Lifecycle Asset Management and Refurbishment

• The private partner's obligations for asset maintenance and lifecycle replacement.
• Monitoring asset condition and performance over decades.
• Planning for major maintenance cycles and refurbishment works.
• Ensuring asset integrity and long-term value.
• Integrating asset management plans into the PPP contract.

Module 14: Handback and Contract Expiry

• Planning for the orderly transfer of assets and services at contract expiry.
• Handback requirements: asset condition, documentation, knowledge transfer.
• Legal and contractual obligations at handback.
• Valuation of assets at expiry and potential compensation mechanisms.
• Ensuring continuity of service post-handback.

Module 15: Practical Workshop: Developing a Project Lifecycle Management Plan

• Participants work in groups on a hypothetical PPP project.
• Exercise: Develop a high-level project lifecycle management plan, outlining key activities and responsibilities for each stage.
• Identify critical challenges that might arise at different lifecycle phases and propose mitigation strategies.
• Discuss the tools and resources needed for effective lifecycle management.
• Presentation of management plans and peer feedback.

Training Approach

This course will be delivered by our skilled trainers who have vast knowledge and experience as expert professionals in the fields. The course is taught in English and through a mix of theory, practical activities, group discussion and case studies. Course manuals and additional training materials will be provided to the participants upon completion of the training.

Tailor-Made Course

This course can also be tailor-made to meet organization requirement. For further inquiries, please contact us on: Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org Tel: +254 702 249 449

Training Venue

The training will be held at our Skills for Africa Training Institute Training Centre. We also offer training for a group at requested location all over the world. The course fee covers the course tuition, training materials, two break refreshments, and buffet lunch.

Visa application, travel expenses, airport transfers, dinners, accommodation, insurance, and other personal expenses are catered by the participant

Certification

Participants will be issued with Skills for Africa Training Institute certificate upon completion of this course.

Airport Pickup and Accommodation

Airport pickup and accommodation is arranged upon request. For booking contact our Training Coordinator through Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org Tel: +254 702 249 449

Terms of Payment: Unless otherwise agreed between the two parties’ payment of the course fee should be done 7 working days before commencement of the training.