Information Technology Services Agency Data Centres (Hansard, 13 July 1995)

§ Mr. Mullin
To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what was the value of each of the bids received for the four ITSA data centres. [33164]

§ Mr. Burt
It is not normal practice for commercially sensitive information to be made available in this manner.

§ Mr. Mullin
To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if the EDS bids for lots E and F were the lowest; and if he will make a statement. [33167]

§ Mr. Burt
All suppliers' bid for lots E and F were evaluated in accordance with an approved process covering financial and non-financial aspects. The EDS bids for the lots were the lowest bids received.

§ Mr. Mullin
To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what assessment he has made as to whether the purchase by EDS of all four DSS computer centres threatens security of supply and on-going competition; and if he will make a statement. [33168]

§ Mr. Burt
The decision to award all data centre services work to EDS was made after a rigorous technical, financial and business evaluation in full accord with EC services directive 92/50/EEC. The contractual agreement allows the Department of Social Security to market test any segment of the awarded business if, in its judgment, 703W competitive prices are not being maintained. In those circumstances, the Department may award business to another supplier.

§ Mr. Mullin
To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will list the contracts his Department has with the computer company EDS. [33176]

§ Mr. Burt
The following contracts are currently held with EDS: area computer centre facilities management—704W a contract to manage the area computer centre at Norcross, Blackpool; Child Support Agency, technical services agreement—development of Child Support Agency computer system; Child Support Agency live support—maintenance of child support agency computer system; framework agreement for computer and related services—consultancy support; Focus' 95—outsourcing contract for data centre services elements of ITSA's service delivery. This includes management of the area computer centre at Norcross, Blackpool.