§ Mr. MillerTo ask the Secretary of State for Health, pursuant to her answer of 17 October, what costs have been incurred in consultancy work related to the study of OPCS market testing; and what assumptions have been made regarding on-going security costs in the event of the contract being awarded to the private sector.
§ Mr. SackvilleThe Office of Population Censuses and Surveys is market testing its computer mainframe service. Consultancy costs of £1,000 have been incurred to date. The Central Computer and Telecommunications Agency is providing OPCS with procurement assistance at an estimated cost of up to £50,000. The in-house bid team will require consultancy help estimated at £35,000.
When issued, the statement of service requirement for this market test, will contain a mandatory requirement to provide security at a level to maintain OPCS's reputation for careful guardianship of data in its care. All potential 443W contractors will have to take this factor into account when submitting tenders, with a full breakdown of costs.