Project Readiness
NBP-0 to NBP-10: the evidence ladder
Readiness records how far a project has actually been prepared. A project does not advance because a render looks impressive; it advances when the evidence for the next step exists and is on file.
The eleven steps
Opportunity Identified
A development need has been recorded and attributed to a sector.
Evidence required
A written statement of the need and its origin.
0
in registry
Initial Screening
The opportunity has been screened for strategic fit and obvious blockers.
Evidence required
A completed screening note against the national priorities.
10
in registry
Concept Development
A concept describes the intervention, its beneficiaries and its components.
Evidence required
A concept note setting out scope, location and intended outcome.
10
in registry
Pre-Feasibility
Technical and commercial viability have been tested at order-of-magnitude level.
Evidence required
A pre-feasibility study with an indicative cost range.
0
in registry
Feasibility
Full feasibility confirms the technical, financial and environmental case.
Evidence required
A completed feasibility study and environmental and social screening.
0
in registry
Engineering & Approvals
Design is advanced and statutory approvals are being obtained.
Evidence required
Preliminary engineering design and a live approvals register.
0
in registry
Commercial Structuring
Delivery model, ownership and risk allocation are being settled.
Evidence required
A commercial structure paper and draft risk allocation matrix.
0
in registry
Financing
The project is being matched with suitable public, private or development capital.
Evidence required
A financing plan and a documented investor engagement record.
0
in registry
Investment Ready
Preparation is complete and the opportunity can be taken to market.
Evidence required
A complete investment passport and a populated data room.
0
in registry
Delivery / Construction
Procurement has concluded and implementation is under way.
Evidence required
An executed contract and a live delivery reporting line.
0
in registry
Operational
The asset or service is in operation and being measured.
Evidence required
Commissioning certificate and reported operating performance.
0
in registry
Data Confidence
Every published figure carries its evidence level
Readiness describes the project. Data confidence describes each individual figure within it. A number without one of these labels is a defect, not a shortcut.
Confirmed against a named primary source held on file. The figure may be relied upon as stated.
Produced by a completed study and reviewed independently. Accurate within the tolerance the study states.
An early order-of-magnitude figure, subject to feasibility work. Not a budget and not a commitment.
A planning objective adopted for the program. It describes intent, not an achieved or committed result.
A modelled scenario shown to explain a mechanism. The values are illustrative and are not a forecast.
Work is in progress and no defensible figure exists yet. Deliberately shown without a number.
An identified opportunity described at concept level only. No study has yet been commissioned.