§ Jackie BallardTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what was the cost of the tendering process for the scheme to provide vouchers for asylum seekers; how many firms bid for the contract; on what basis was the contract awarded to Sodexho Pass International; what is the duration and cost of the contract with Sodexho Pass International; what profit margin is built in to the contract; and if he will publish the contract. [114760]
§ Mrs. RocheThe cost of the tendering process for the new voucher scheme is not separately identifiable from the costs of other procurement activity undertaken in the course of establishing the new asylum support arrangements.
In response to an advertisement placed in the "Official Journal of the European Communities" (OJEC) on 10 July 1999, we received nine expressions of interest from prospective suppliers in designing and operating the voucher scheme. Four suppliers were subsequently invited to prepare detailed proposals as a basis for negotiation and three of these went forward to submit revised formal offers.
As anticipated in the OJEC, the decision to award the contract was taken with regard to the following factors: ability to achieve time scales; cost; technical competence; experience/ability; flexibility; commercial and financial strength; and, quality.
The initial duration of the contract is three years. This may be extended by two further one-year periods. Contractual details are commercially confidential.