What is the Outcome Values Database?
The Outcome Values Database (OVD) is a repository of quality assured outcome values and parameters aimed at helping with the estimation of economic and social outcomes in cost-benefit analysis. The database is not exhaustive or mandatory for use in CBA.
The values in the OVD have been collected by NSW Treasury from government agencies, CBA frameworks, and previous CBAs. The aim of sharing these values is to help practitioners undertake CBA, to encourage consistency across government, and to promote transparency.
How to use the OVD
The OVD can be downloaded from the ‘Resources’ section below. Outcome values are in the 'OVD' tab of the spreadsheet.
Users should consider the relevance and appropriateness of using OVD values on a case-by-case basis. Large or complex projects may require project-specific parameters rather than stock parameters from the OVD. Parameters taken from the OVD should remain subject to analysis and the basis for any parameter’s inclusion in a CBA should be documented in the CBA report accordingly.
Values are escalated to current year dollars using either the consumer, wage, or producer price index, depending on which is most relevant to the parameter in question.
Limitations and caveats
Users should make sure the most recent and appropriate parameters are being used in CBA. Any data limitations should be outlined and fully acknowledged.
Resources
Download the OVD here
