ICA, MPC, FABG, EFG, DDTS and Procurement ACT are key stakeholders throughout the Infrastructure Investment Lifecycle and the Project Team should ensure to collaborate with them where appropriate. The following sections provide a summary of the core roles and responsibilities of ICA, MPC, FABG, EFG, DDTS and Procurement ACT, and how each of these stakeholders are involved in the Capital Framework process.
Infrastructure and Commercial Advice
ICA is within the Economic and Financial Group (EFG) in the Treasury Stream of the Chief Minister, Treasury and Economic Development Directorate (CMTEDD). ICA manages and supports policy frameworks (including the Capital Framework) that enable and facilitate the delivery of major and complex infrastructure projects in the ACT.
ICA is responsible for:
- Providing project advice and support throughout the Capital Framework stages, partnering with Agencies to ensure that projects provide the required evidence and analysis to justify the funding decisions of Government
- Providing financial and commercial advice on the development, procurement and delivery of PPPs and other major and complex infrastructure projects; and managing or advising on life-of-project transactions for PPP projects
- Reviewing and updating the policy frameworks that support the development, procurement and delivery of capital projects, including the Capital Framework
- As part of Treasury’s overall assessment of Business Cases within the annual Budget process, reviewing selected Project Concept Briefs and Business Cases, focusing on their compliance with the Capital Framework, their needs and their financial analysis
- Managing the process and providing commercial support for the assessment of unsolicited proposals.
Refer to ICA’s website for further information.
Involvement in the Capital Framework process
ICA plays an ongoing and consultative role throughout the Capital Framework process. ICA is available to provide the Project Team with general advice on progressing projects through the Capital Framework.
The Project Team may involve ICA during each stage of the Capital Framework, particularly if the project involves any complexities or new features. However, ICA’s involvement in the project will depend on the specifics of the project, the Project Team’s knowledge of the Capital Framework and the Tier of the project (for example, Tier 3 projects are less likely to require involvement from ICA in Stage 5 – Measure). The Project Team should initially consult with ICA early in Stage 1 – Develop.
ICA’s role includes:
- Advising the Project Team on selecting the appropriate Tier based on the estimated costs and risks of the proposed investment
- Helping coordinate (including advising on facilitator) and contributing to Investment Logic Workshop(s) (ILWs)
- Helping coordinate, and contributing to, risk, delivery model and other project workshops
- Advising on the development of Business Cases
- Undertaking Post Implementation Reviews (PIRs) of Tier 1 projects
- Providing advice on PIRs or ‘lessons learnt’ workshops for other projects
- Managing the measurement, monitoring and reporting of ongoing benefits of major projects, in coordination with Agencies, to establish whether the projects have achieved their aims.
Major Projects Canberra
MPC was established on 1 July 2019 for the purpose of building the infrastructure that helps ensure Canberra remains one of the world’s most liveable cities. This is achieved through working closely with other parts of the ACT Government and the private sector to deliver a range of civil, commercial and social infrastructure across the ACT. MPC undertakes project planning, procurement, contract management and delivery oversight on behalf of Government Agencies for infrastructure works. lead the procurement and delivery of the ACT’s infrastructure program. MPC has responsibility for:
- Developing, procuring and delivering infrastructure projects designated by the Chief Minister into MPC (Designated Major Projects). MPC will bear budget accountability for designated projects and report directly to the Minister responsible for the project. Projects that have been designated Major Projects are typically of significant complexity and scale and are usually Tier 1 projects. If a Project Sponsor is developing a Project, Program or Precinct which will likely be designated, early engagement with MPC through the Capital Framework process is critical
- Providing procurement and contract management services to support partner directorates delivery of government appropriated capital projects
- Supporting Agencies through the implementation of whole of government policies and commitments including the ACT Government Prequalification Schemes and the National Prequalification Schemes; Active Certification Policy; managing the standard suite of construction related contracts and contract creation; providing help desk and system administration of the ACT Governments Project Management and Reporting System (PMARS).
Further information is provided on MPC’s website.
Involvement in the Capital Framework process
Designated projects
For designated Major Projects, MPC is the Sponsoring Agency’s representative for the project delivery including procurement and implementation activities and therefore is a partner to the Sponsoring Agency’s project through the Capital Framework and Infrastructure Investment Lifecycle until construction completion and commencement of operations.
The Project Governance Guidelines contain more information on the responsibilities of the Sponsoring Agency and Project Team.
Other capital projects
For other capital projects, MPC supports the Sponsoring Agency to develop the project throughout the Infrastructure Investment Lifecycle as a fee for service. The Project Team should involve MPC as follows:
- Stage 1 – Develop: MPC should be engaged and consulted with as part of the Early Presentation of Project (EPP) and ILW, and the scope, timeline, budget, risk, delivery model and Tier discussions
- Stage 2 – Prove: MPC provides technical advice to support the Project Team in developing the Business Case. In particular, the Project Team should consult with MPC when developing the project scope, timeline, budget and the Functional Design Brief
- Stage 3 – Procure and Stage 4 – Implementation: MPC’s procurement and contract management services discussed above includes a standard approach to these stages
- Stage 5 – Measure: MPC hands over the project to the original Sponsoring Agency at completion of Stage 4. However, MPC continues to support ICA or the Sponsoring Agency in developing the PIR and implementing the BRP.
Finance and Budget Group
FABG is within the Treasury Stream of CMTEDD. It provides policy and financial advice to Cabinet and its Expenditure Review Committee (ERC) on infrastructure investment projects, Government expenditure, budgetary position and financial reporting to facilitate the Budget process.
In relation to infrastructure and capital works, FABG is responsible for:
- Advising Agencies on the development of investment proposals for the Budget
- Providing policy and budget advice on a range of Government priorities and services
- Ultimately reviewing the Business Cases and submitting them to ERC and Cabinet for their consideration and potential approval for funding
- Advising Government on the annual capital works program consistent with the Government’s budgetary and investment objectives.
Involvement in the Capital Framework process
FABG plays an ongoing and consultative role throughout the Capital Framework process to ensure the Project Team develops the project efficiently and in a way that is aligned to Government’s requirements.
Economic and Financial Group
EFG is within the Treasury Stream of CMTEDD. In addition to ICA's involvement and responsibilities, EFG provides economic analysis and advice to the Government and its Agencies on a wide range of matters, including advice on competition policy, regulatory impacts and, revenue and cost of living implications of proposals, including Business Cases.
Involvement in the Capital Framework process
EFG assists the Project Team throughout the Capital Framework process to ensure the Project Team undertakes robust economic analysis of projects.
Digital Data and Technology Solutions
DDTS is a group within CMTEDD, led by the Chief Digital Officer, which has responsibility to drive the ACT’s digital agenda, lead the whole of government strategic direction for ICT and cyber security and provide technical, tactical and transactional support for whole of government ICT. The Group ensures alignment of government ICT and digital priorities, innovation and initiatives across Government. This includes whole of government ICT investment management and delivering end user services for Government agencies.
Involvement in the Capital Framework process
DDTS must be consulted regarding ICT and data requirements of infrastructure projects. The early involvement of DDTS in the scoping of a project ensures that the digital data and technology solutions required to support the operation of the infrastructure asset are accommodated within the scope of the infrastructure asset.
Procurement ACT
Procurement ACT is a division within the Treasury Stream of CMTEDD. It manages and supports the Procurement Framework that applies to all Territory procurements, including those for capital projects.
Procurement ACT is responsible for:
- Supporting and advising on procurement legislation, policy and processes
- Providing support on the application of the Procurement Values to Territory procurement.
The Procurement ACT website has further information, factsheets and guidance.
Involvement in the Capital Framework process
The Project Team may seek advice and support from Procurement ACT in relation to its responsibilities where required.
Other Agencies
The Zero Emissions Government (ZEG) team in EPSDD is responsible for advising Agencies on emissions reduction elements of capital works in Government facilities. The ZEG team works with Agencies to identify emissions reduction opportunities. It can also facilitate funding of zero emissions technologies including electric replacements for natural gas assets, electric vehicle charging and for feasibility works through the Zero Emissions Government Loan Fund and Social Cost of Carbon Funds.
Footnotes: