The guidelines propose a decision matrix that requires the board’s review and action at three stages in the development of P3 projects – before a project enters the development stage and the state begins to spend money on it; before it goes into the procurement process; and before a final contract is signed with a contractor.

The Virginia OTP3 has been working over the past few months to revise and update the 2012 PPTA Manual and Guidelines. A request for comments generated over 100 comments and suggestions between July 21 and August 19, from a variety of individuals, advocacy groups, small businesses, public officials and industry groups. The Virginia Chamber also submitted comments, which can be viewed here.

The draft guidelines were given to the Commonwealth Transportation Board on October 14th.  The guidelines propose a decision matrix that requires the board’s review and action at three stages in the development of P3 projects – before a project enters the development stage and the state begins to spend money on it; before it goes into the procurement process; and before a final contract is signed with a contractor.

Other updates to the proposed guidelines include:

•          VDOT steering committee would be expanded to include members of the state board, the chairmen of the Senate and House of Delegates transportation committees, and an independent state financial expert, such as the state treasurer or the secretary of finance.

•          Require 30 days’ notice of the steering committee meetings, public engagement in each step of the process, and briefing legislative leaders, such as the chairman of the House Appropriations and Senate Finance committees, and the transportation committees.

•          Require additional review of projects that don’t solicit competitive bids in the procurement process or meet the objectives of the P3 program, such as assuring that the private companies involved also assume a share of the risks and provide a portion of the equity.

The CTB plans to present a resolution at its November meeting recommending VDOT and DRPT adopt 2014 Implementation Manual and Guidelines.