Market consultation as a tool for early market involvement in infrastructure projects (governance of infrastructure projects)

Classical instruments of procurement including the competitive dialogue require that scope and financing of the project are pretty much determined on forehand. Early procurement of `open, unspecified assignments´ is difficult because of (fear for) legal and/or financial reasons. In some recent projects in The Netherlands (Project Mainporth South, Afsluitdijk, introduction of KM pricing system) we have witnessed the application of `market consultation´ as a pre-competitive market instrument. The instrument allows authorities to extract information about innovations, risks and affordability of latest infrastructure and spatial planning solutions. The tool should only be used however if a match is possible between authorities and market parties objectives and commitment. The paper presented describes the experience with the market consultation, the pro´s and cons on the basis of project experience. Experience with the consultation process shows that more innovation in infrastructure can be obtained through early market involvement as long as certain conditions are met. The paper presents recommendations about the way a market consultation should be used in infra projects.