Capital Asset Management Framework: Tools

The Ministry of Finance provides the following tools to support the implementation of the Capital Asset Management Framework. 

The Concept Plan Guidance Document (PDF) outlines the expectations for a concept plan to provide decision makers with information about the need for investment, as well as an analysis of potential service delivery options. Decision makers will consider the information contained in the concept plan and provide direction on project scope, timing, budget/financing and other priorities before the ministry or agency commits additional time and resources to develop a detailed business case for the project.

The Business Plan Guidance Document (PDF) helps ministries and agencies develop business plans for capital projects and provides clarity on how to meet existing and emerging requirements for capital planning and approvals. The purpose of a business plan is to provide decision makers with enough information to approve the scope, budget, timing and implementation of a capital project.

Once decision makers have given approval to proceed with a project, ministries and agencies may choose to pre-qualify contractors, architects and engineers as part of the solicitation process (if appropriate). The Pre-Qualification for Selection of General Contractors and Professional Consulting Services (PDF) includes guidance on recommended best practice for the use and application of pre-qualification processes in a construction context, including when pre-qualification processes should be considered and how they should be structured, managed and implemented.

Ministries and agencies may also use privilege clauses during the solicitation process (if appropriate). The Administering Tenders with Privilege Clauses (PDF) provides a summary of existing policy and best practices regarding privilege clauses to support fair, open and transparent capital procurement. This document assists procuring ministries and agencies in using use privilege clauses consistent with applicable law and policy.

To encourage transparency in the solicitation process, the Proactive Release of Information and/or Documents Related to Competitive Procurement Opportunities (PDF) describes when commonly requested information and documents may be released to a bidder, proponent or respondent, and when a formal submission needs to be made for a Freedom of Information request. Note that this information is specific to the competitive procurement process only and does not include any information or documentation created after the initial contract is signed. 

Also to support accountability, the Best Practice Guidance - Capital Documents Retention Checklist (PDF) and the Capital Project Documents Retention Checklist (PDF) helps ministries and agencies record the key capital project documents in a project file; determines who should keep them; and advises where the documents should be located.