HC Deb 14 March 1996 vol 273 cc762-3W
Mr. Sheerman

To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what guidelines he has issued on the vetting of private companies tendering for contracts with a next steps agency. [20190]

Mr. Willets

The principles to be followed are laid out clearly in "The Government's Guide to market Testing", paragraphs 6.14 and 6.27, and guidance note No. 40, paragraphs 10.2 and 15.2, issued by Her Majesty's Treasury's central unit on procurement. The guidelines for next steps agencies are the same as those for the rest of central Government. "The Government's Guide to Market Testing" is available in the Library of the House. I am arranging for copies of the CUP guidance note No. 40 to be placed in the Library of the House.

Mr. Sheerman

To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what vetting procedures are employed to verify the credentials of private companies tendering for contracts with next steps agencies. [20193]

Mr. Willetts

Departments and agencies act in accordance with the guidelines laid out in "The Government's Guide to Market Testing", paragraphs 6.14 and 6.27 and the central unit on procurement's guidance note No. 40, paragraphs 10.2 and 15.2.

In compiling a shortlist, Departments and agencies check companies' capacity and competence for performing the work, their experience in similar work and their financial status. Further checks are made when evaluating bids on companies' organisation and personnel policies, their technical status, their existing commitments and their financial status, including, creditworthiness, and details of any holding/guarantor companies providing financial backing.

"The Government's Guide to Market Testing" is available in the Library of the House. I am arranging for copies of the CUP guidance note No. 40 to be placed in the Library of the House.