Gateway - Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is a ‘Gateway Review’?
A: Gateway Reviews are reviews of major procurement projects by independent people at up to six defined decision points (or gates) in the project's procurement cycle. The project's significant stakeholders are interviewed and its documents examined. A Gateway Review is not an audit, a detailed technical review or an enquiry, but a review by experienced 'peers' to provide a 'fresh' view of the project. The Review assesses the robustness of the project proposal and contributes to improve its ultimate performance.
Q: Do I need to submit my project for a Gateway Review?
A: As part of the process for the development of the State Infrastructure Strategy, government agencies are required to submit for Gateway Review all procurement proposals for projects that meet the following criteria:
Strategic Review
- Estimated total cost over $10 million and
- commencing in years 2 – 4 of the upcoming forward estimates period
- proposed for State Infrastructure Strategy publication or other public statement
Business Case Review
- Estimated total cost over $1 million if requested by Treasury
- All projects with an estimated total cost over $10 million and commencing in the upcoming budget year
To arrange a Gateway Review please complete the Risk Assessment Tool
Q: Who is a Project Sponsor?
A: The senior agency officer with responsibility for the funding and performance of the project. This person is usually a member of the agency executive.
Q: What happens to the review report?
A: The review report is issued to the Project Sponsor, and no one else. The agency must include the report with its funding submission. It may also include a response to the report to show how issues raised have been dealt with.
Q: What is a typical Gateway Program?
A: A Gateway Review consists of four distinct steps:
- Organise preliminary meeting between a Gateway Manager and the Project Sponsor to discuss the application of Gateway to the project.
- Select Reviewers and Review Leader who meet with the Gateway Manager to plan the Review.
- Conduct Review (interview project participants and stakeholders, and examine project documentation).
- Present report to the Project Sponsor.
The Review is held over three to four days.
Q: How are Gateway Reviews managed?
A: Treasury’s Gateway Team provides a Gateway Manager for each review. A Review Leader chairs the review, and agencies provide a review co-ordinator to manage the review logistics and co-ordinate the agency responsibilities.
Q: How are Reviewers selected?
A: Reviewers are selected in discussion with the Project Sponsor or delegate. There are usually three to four members in a Review Team.
Q: What is Reviewer training?
A: Reviewer training enables you to understand the background, principles, stages and benefits of Gateway Reviews, as well as the role you play as a member of a Review Team.
Visit IPAA's (Institute of Public Administration Australia) website at www.nsw.ipaa.org.au for scheduled training dates and costs.
Q: Are Reviewers paid?
A: Reviewers from within the Government sector are not paid. The reviewer system works on a ‘quid pro quo’ basis. If a reviewer from the private sector or from another jurisdiction is selected, it is the agencies responsibility to meet any costs.
Q: How long does a review take?
A: A review takes four to five days. Planning for a review should be scheduled four to five weeks in advance.