EPP process

Scope of the presentation

The EPP is an informal presentation given by the Project Team to iCBR, FABG, ICA and other Government stakeholders and is a critical initial step of the Capital Framework. In the EPP, the Project Team should discuss the checklist of items listed in the table below, where appropriate. Although discussion of these topics is not mandatory, where possible the Project Team should consider this checklist in preparing an EPP.

Items for discussion in the EPP

Discussion topic

Description

Project overview

  • Description of the problem that the project will solve and initial views on potential options to give a broad understanding of the investment need, acknowledging that the Project Team has not yet prepared an Investment Logic Map (ILM)

Initial project assessment

  • An initial assessment of the project’s risks and possible delivery model options and alternative funding and financing mechanisms
  • Any other issues deemed pertinent on a project-by-project basis (such as governance or stakeholder considerations)

Initial Wellbeing Impact Assessment

  • An initial assessment of the anticipated key wellbeing impacts of the project on places and peoples within the community and the main domain(s) in the ACT Wellbeing Framework to which these impacts relate
  • It may be useful to use the WIA template to develop this discussion topic, though a full WIA is not necessary

Indicative Tier allocation

  • The indicative Tier allocation and rationale for this
  • Where the Tier allocation differs from the Tier classification matrix, the Project Team should provide a detailed rationale for discussion. This is particularly relevant for Programs or Precincts
  • An indication of whether further analysis is necessary in Stage 2 – Prove over and above what is usually required for the Tier identified
  • The final Tier allocation and rationale should be provided and agreed with iCBR, FABG and ICA at the close of Stage 1 – Develop (for more information, see Section 2.3)

For more information on how to identify the Tier for a proposed investment, refer to the Tier assessment guidelines

Community engagement

  • The proposed approach to community engagement for the project through Stage 1 – Develop and Stage 2 – Prove

Approach to risk analysis (indicative Tier 2 projects only)

  • The approach for quantifying the contingency allowance for proposed Tier 2 projects. Projects that are business-as-usual may propose to use a deterministic approach, rather than the recommended stochastic method
  • The rationale for the proposed approach

For more information, refer to the detailed Risk analysis guidelines

Indicative approach for Programs and Precincts (where applicable)

  • The preliminary proposed approach for developing the Program or Precinct Business Case in combination with, or separate from, the first project of the Program or Precinct
  • Any updates that should be made to the Program or Precinct Business Case ahead of progressing a project in the Program or Precinct through the Capital Framework

For more information on Programs and Precincts, refer to the Program and Precinct Business Case template

The EPP also provides an opportunity to the Project Team to discuss with iCBR, FABG and ICA the funding that may be required for developing the Business Case. The Project Team can request guidance from iCBR, FABG and ICA on this topic during the EPP.

Business Case for Project Development Funding

If a Project Team would like to seek funding to develop a Business Case (including other activities that may be required to build a comprehensive Business Case such as development of a detailed feasibility study or concept design and cost estimates), they should submit a Business Case for Project Development Funding to request this appropriation of funds at the start of Stage 2 – Prove using the template provided.

Participants

To ensure successful outcomes, key decision makers are required to attend an EPP. These include representatives from:

  • The Sponsoring Directorate, including the Project Sponsor, the Project Director and members of the Project Team
  • iCBR
  • FABG
  • ICA
  • Directorates or Agencies that are responsible for complementary, supporting or interrelated projects or those with operations and/or assets that may be significantly affected by the project (or projects within the Program or Precinct); for example:
    • CRA should attend the EPP for projects, Programs or Precincts that are located within its geographical remit
    • SLA should attend the EPP for projects, Programs or Precincts that involve Government land release, acquisition or development
    • EPSDD and TCCS should attend for projects, Programs or Precincts that are in the land release Program
    • TCCS should attend the EPP for projects, Programs or Precincts that involve transport infrastructure, or may lead to transport infrastructure requirements in the future.

The proposed Tier for the project will inform the seniority of those required to be present from the Sponsoring Directorate (and to a lesser extent other Directorates and Agencies). An indication of the seniority of EPP attendees for each Tier is shown below:

  • Tier 1 – Director General (for Tier 1 or other high-profile projects)/Deputy Director General/Executive Group Manager
  • Tier 2 – Executive Group Manager/Executive Branch Manager
  • Tier 3 – Senior Project Officer.

Outputs

During the EPP and following it, iCBR, FABG, ICA and other Government stakeholders will provide feedback to the Project Team on the items discussed.

The Project Team is required to document the outputs of the EPP through meeting minutes and circulate these outputs to attendees within a week of the EPP. The Project Team must retain the outputs of the EPP and should use these outputs to inform subsequent activities of the project’s development.

Logistics

To book an EPP with ICA, iCBR and FABG, contact through:

Email: InfrastructureCommercialAdvice@act.gov.au

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