§ Valerie DaveyTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what information was gathered from the Office of Government Commerce e-tendering pilot scheme for a system for use across Government, with particular reference to the Department for Education and Skills. [49928]
§ Mr. Andrew SmithThe recently concluded pilot covered all the key aspects of an e-tendering system, including the procurement process, functionality and 1055W operational activity. It successfully addressed security issues, which had been a particular concern to both Departments and suppliers.
The Office of Government Commerce is working with Departments to use the information gathered from this pilot and other on-going e-pilots to develop the Government's overall approach to the effective and efficient use of e-tendering.
Although the Department for Education and Skills did not take part in the pilot, it will be able, together with all Government Departments and agencies, to use the knowledge gained when undertaking future e-tendering activity.