1. What constitutes a public-private partnership?

A Public-Private Partnership is defined as a co-operative venture between the public and private sectors, built on the expertise of each partner, which develops or improves facilities and/or services needed by the public through the appropriate allocation of resources, risks, rewards and responsibilities.  Eligible PPP include those, which have enhanced the quality, efficiency or effectiveness of public capital projects or operating programs and services including infrastructure (e.g., roads, arenas, schools, information technology, etc.) and services benefiting the public.
 
The PPP private sector proponent must have been selected through a competitive process.  If this did not occur, justification must be provided to indicate why an alternative selection process was used.
 
The project must meet the test of being a true public-private partnership where there is clearly a public partner(s) and a true private sector partner (s) assuming various levels of risk.  Public-public partnerships will not be considered.
 
If applicable, cost savings over traditional delivery should be demonstrated.  If a value for service comparison has not been conducted, there should be an explanation of how the public sector made the determination that the PPP alternative was preferable to a traditional delivery method.

2. What is a public-sector partner?

A public-sector partner will be the partner from the public sector, for example a level of government, federal, provincial or municipal, a public institution, such as a school, hospital or post-secondary institution or a non-profit or not for profit corporation.

3. What is a private-sector partner?

A private-sector partner will be a company, which operates solely in the private sector, be it a limited or incorporated entity.

4. Does a contracting out arrangement between a public-sector entity and a private sector entity constitute a public-private partnership?

No, this is not a true public-private partnership as there is no sharing, by both partners, of resources, risks and rewards.

5. If a partner provides a grant or a financial commitment is made, but there is no other active involvement by one or more partners, can this be considered a public-private partnership?

A grant from a level of government or a straight financial commitment without involvement from the private or public sector partner or partners cannot be considered a public-private partnership. There must be a mutual decision making process which pertains directly to public-private partnership at all stages.

6. How many public and private partners constitute a public-private partnership?

There is no limit to the number of public and private partners that can be involved in the partnership. However, there must be at least one public and one private partner, each sharing in the appropriate allocation of resources, risks and rewards in the nominated project.

7. Who can I call to clarify whether our public-private partnership meets the criteria or if we have any other questions regarding our application?

Please call Carla Walmsley, the Awards Coordinator, at 416-861-0500 if you have any questions or concerns regarding your Awards submission.