PPSprojecten

PPSprojecten, short for Publiek-Private Samenwerking-projecten, are long-term collaborations between public authorities and private sector partners to deliver public infrastructure or services. In these arrangements, the private partner may be responsible for design, construction, financing, operation, and maintenance, while the public body retains ownership or ultimate responsibility for service outcomes. The aim is to combine private sector efficiency and innovation with public policy objectives.

Typical delivery models include DBFO (design-build-finance-operate), DBFM (design-build-finance-maintain) and BOT (build-operate-transfer). Contracts are usually long-term, often fifteen to thirty years, and rely on performance-based payments or availability payments, rather than upfront fees alone. Risk is allocated to the party best able to manage it, with performance standards and KPIs used to measure success.

Procurement typically starts with a value-for-money analysis to determine whether PPP offers better value than conventional procurement. If approved, a competitive bidding process selects private partners with technical and financial proposals evaluated against criteria such as cost, risk allocation, and ability to meet service standards.

Common sectors include transportation infrastructure (roads, bridges, rail), water and wastewater, healthcare facilities, schools and prisons, and energy projects. Successful PPSprojecten can speed up delivery, improve lifecycle maintenance, and transfer certain risks away from the public sector, but they can also be complex and costly if not well managed. Critics point to long-term commitments, potential market distortions, and the need for robust oversight and transparent renegotiation mechanisms.