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8.3 Outline Business Case (OBC)

8.3.1The OBC requires a much more comprehensive analysis. It should be completed prior to the commencement of formal procurement and normally provides the basis for formal DFP Supply approval, when it is required. The OBC should include thorough coverage of the 10 Steps of appraisal in accordance with Section 2 of NIGEAE to provide fuller assessment of strategic fit, option appraisal, achievability, assumptions about costs, benefits, risks and funding. The OBC should determine the preferred option in terms of the level and form of service provision, and should recommend a particular procurement route.
8.3.2When approval has been granted on the basis of an OBC, irrespective of the chosen procurement route, the principles of appraisal should continue to be applied until a contract is awarded. For example, private sector bids obtained through a tendering process should be subjected to the principles of option appraisal, and this process should be fully documented in a FBC.
8.3.3In some cases, the OBC may be developed in two stages, referred to as the OBC1 and the OBC2. DFP is prepared to be flexible about the precise approach in individual cases, but it is advisable to agree the details with DFP Supply in advance. For example, some OBCs have been staged as follows:

Outline Business Case 1

The OBC1 includes a full economic appraisal and provides a basis for approval of the project need, objectives and preferred option. This approval may permit funding to be released for exemplar design and, if necessary, for land purchase or option to purchase land; and/or enabling works. The OBC1 includes:

  • Full statement of need and objectives
  • Detailed option appraisal and determination of preferred option in terms of e.g. nature, scale and location of service provision
  • High level affordability analysis
  • If appropriate, justification for up-front costs including land purchase/option to purchase land; and/or enabling works.
  • Section covering business case as per FD(DFP)04/09 to justify external consultancy input to OBC2, including exemplar design.

Outline Business Case 2

The OBC2 reports key changes since OBC1 and provides a basis for DFP approval to initiate the formal procurement stage. The OBC2:

  • Assesses alternative procurement options and includes Stage 2 VFM assessment as per DAO(DFP)02/07 where PFI procurement is in view
  • Develops exemplar design and output specification for preferred option prior to formal procurement
  • Refines affordability analysis including detailed cash projections, funding statement and estimated year-by-year capital and revenue DEL implications
  • Does not usually re-visit the OBC1 options; but may examine variations on the preferred option e.g. alternative phasings
  • Includes a draft Benefits Realisation Plan
  • Includes a section covering a business case as per FD(DFP)04/09 and the accompanying guidance note if any external consultancy input to FBC is required.

Read on to Full Business Case (FBC)

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