Obligations to provide public products and services in operation and maintenance contracts under public-private partnership investment models

Operation and maintenance (O&M) contracts are a type of public–private partnership (PPP) investment contract in which investors or project enterprises are granted the right to operate and manage existing infrastructure systems for a specified period. Unlike other PPP contract types that focus on the construction of new infrastructure, O&M contracts emphasize the operation, utilization, and maintenance of existing facilities. In this context, the obligation to provide public products and services continuously, stably, and safely is a core responsibility that significantly influences the performance of such contracts. This study analyzes this specific obligation, identifies key legal issues, and proposes recommendations to further specify and operationalize these obligations within PPP contracts.