The Implementation Business Case stage seeks approval from decision-makers to enter into commercial contracts for the provision of the selected option.
Once the request for proposal (RFP) process is complete, the proposal is updated in an Implementation Business Case (ImBC). This focuses on how the agency proposes to procure or contract the asset(s) needed. The ImBC only needs to:
- confirm or update the information for each of the Five Case Model elements
- identify any significant changes from the earlier Detailed or Single-stage Business Case stages
- document any requirements and commitments identified in the Cabinet Minute approving the earlier business case stage.
In doing this the ImBC:
- revisits and confirms that the project is still required and still aligns with government and organisation strategies and priorities
- identifies the supplier offer that optimises value for money and confirms that the economic case still stacks up in terms of costs and benefits
- sets out the negotiated commercial and contractual arrangements for any procurement
- confirms that the proposed arrangements are affordable and confirms the funding arrangements
- describes the detailed management arrangements for the successful delivery of the project or programme. This forms the basis of the Project Management Plan or similar management/control document.
Gateway
Gateway is mandatory for high-risk investments (and optional for medium-risk investments). Gateway reviews examine investments at key points in their life cycle to assess their progress and to rate the likelihood of successful deliver of their outcomes. At the ImBC stage, you must complete Gate 3 review (Investment Decision) prior to seeking Cabinet or Joint Ministers’ approval.
Cabinet approval of the ImBC
Depending on the conditions imposed on approval of the Detailed (DBC) or Single-stage (SSBC) Business Case, it may not be necessary for the ImBC to go to Cabinet – this may have been delegated to Joint Ministers.
The agency will need to seek Cabinet approval of the ImBC if there have been changes to scope or cost that differ to those approved in the DBC. If your investment requires Cabinet approval (as per CO (23) 9) you will need to submit your ImBC to Cabinet summarised in a Cabinet paper. The Treasury’s Guidance for Cabinet papers seeking business case approvals should be used when writing your Cabinet paper.
The ImBC forms the basis of the Project Management Plan or similar management or control document for the delivery phase of the project.