§ Mr. FatchettTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will set out(a) the number of firms which submitted bids for the contract for the shuttle service between City station and Quarry house, Leeds, (b) the price and terms on which the contract was issued and (c) the role played by TFM Granada in the process of awarding the contract.
§ Mr. BurtSix firms submitted bids for the contract.
The contract was awarded on the basis that the successful company had priced the contract realistically and competitively and had a high standard in both buses provided and the drivers who operated them. In satisfying these criteria the company concerned represented the best value for money.
The role played by TFM Granada in these proceedings was that of facilities management. It was responsible for the placing of the initial advertisement, arranging submission of tenders and organising the boards to oversee the opening and evaluation of tenders.
After summarising the activities of the tender board and evaluation panel it presented an analysis of the contract award panel and implemented their findings. TFM was not a member of the contract award panel which comprised representatives of the Department occupying the building, including financial services.
374WThe contract was issued for a three-year period and the cost for the first year is £23,224.36.