§ Mr. DonohoeTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many contracts for goods or services have been awarded in each of the last three financial years by his Department and its executive agencies after competitive tendering; and what was the total combined value of these contracts. [21034]
§ Mr. BurtIt is not possible to say how many contracts have been awarded in each of the last three years since information on the number of contracts is not kept centrally. Framework agreements are let on a competitive basis. Contracts arising from those agreements are entered into by budget holders when orders are placed.
With the exception of the Information Technology Services Agency, the authority to make purchases and place orders in the DSS is devolved to local budget holders. Current guidance to managers requires every purchase of over £5,000 to be subject to formal tendering procedures.
DSS policy is to give equal opportunity in competitive bidding to all firms invited.