Provision of Independent Reviewer Services

⁠⁠⁠The State invites Respondents to submit a Proposal to undertake the role of Independent Reviewer for the Metro Tunnel (IR Services).

Purpose
The purpose of the RFP is to:
Provide Respondents with general information to assist in the preparation and lodgement of Proposals provide the Terms and Conditions for the RFP Phase of the Tender Process detail the scope of the IR Services disclose the Evaluation Criteria that the State will use to evaluate Proposals detail the Proposal Requirements to be provided by Respondents in order to satisfy the Evaluation Criteria and other specific requirements of MMRA seek from each Respondent a fully costed, binding Proposal.

Overview
The Independent Reviewer has a significant role in relation to the Metro Tunnel Project, specifically during the D&C Phase of the Tunnel and Stations PPP. The key function of the Independent Reviewer is to ensure the proper fulfilment by Project Co of its obligations as set out in the Project Agreement. An important additional role will be to monitor and determine compliance with the Critical Interface Milestones regime between Work Packages.

The IR Services are separated into two phases:
Advanced Works Phase Services (Phase 1) - IR Services relating to the review of Advanced Works delivered by the Preferred T&S PPP Respondent during the Advanced Works Phase (prior to Financial Close).
D&C Phase Services (Phase 2) - IR Services relating to the review of Project Co works during the D&C Phase of the Tunnel and Stations PPP (from Financial Close).

The role will require the Independent Reviewer to commit resources with a diverse range of skills and experience to fulfil its duties and to contribute to the successful delivery of all aspects of the Metro Tunnel. Resource levels, and the specific skills required, are expected to fluctuate over the course of the engagement.

The State has identified the following key principles to guide the Independent Reviewer’s approach:
Ensure that safety is a core value. This includes safety in design, during construction and rail safety demonstrate leadership from day one foster a positive and collaborative working relationship with the State, Project Co, the Train Franchisee (and Tram Franchisee as appropriate) and City of Melbourne and City of Port Phillip in relation to their Returned Works recognise the importance of interface management and integration between Work Packages recognise the necessity of integrating the Metro Tunnel with simultaneous and complementary projects across the network develop and drive ‘best for project’ outcomes recognise the importance of the Franchisee’s role in the project and obtaining accreditation for ‘Day 1’ operations develop and maintain a strong understanding of the commercial framework described in Section 4 commit to retaining Key People to ensure continuity of resources during the provision of the IR Services.

The Independent Reviewer will need to work closely with the State, Project Co and the Train Franchisee (and Tram Franchisee as appropriate) in relation to Project Co’s D&C Activities, and with RSA and RIA in relation to the Critical Interface Milestone regime. The Project Agreement and the Independent Reviewer Deed of Appointment include specific mechanisms for resolving differences of opinion between the parties in a timely and reasonable manner. While this formal legal relationship will exist, it is essential that a productive team approach is fostered and maintained between the parties throughout the delivery of the Metro Tunnel Project.

Access to RFP and Closing Date
Respondents can obtain access to the RFP documents by submitting the Pre-Qualification forms and confidentiality undertakings.