Requests for Information Received Under the Freedom of Information Act

Annex A Requests for information received under the Freedom of Information Act 1st January 2008 to 31st December 2008

Ref No: FOI0118

Format: Email 2 January 2008

Information Requested: We are a supplier of strategy and management consultancy services to local government. For the purposes of planning the development of our business, to understand the market and to ensure that we are recommending appropriate procurement routes for our clients we would be very keen to understand how local government is using Catalist – our impression is more so over time. I was therefore hoping that you would be able to provide me with a breakdown of all local government procurement of Consultancy Services under Catalist from September 2007, including

• Local authority / purchaser • Contract name and description • Contract value • Winning bidder • Date of contract award • Services category (e.g. IS Strategy and Development, Organisational Consultancy, Multi-disciplinary, etc)

Response provided: Part Response provided. If you would like to receive a full copy of the text of our response, please request this from: [email protected]

Ref No: FOI0119

Information Requested: Under the FOI act, I am looking to get some information on the Education Sector with regard to Catalist. How many institutions do you work with, and can you name them? What is the total IT spend of these companies? What is the average deal size completed with these companies? What percentage of the Education Sector business is through Universities, and what other institutions utilise Catalist? What is the average revenue achieved from the companies that do deals through Catalist in the Education Sector? Response provided: Generally speaking all education bodies within the public sector and the 3rd sector are able to use Catalist. This includes individual schools, colleges and universities as well as other procurement bodies in the collaborative space. You will find details of those that have used Catalist recently on the attached spreadsheet.

You will see that £71m of IT spend from the education sector was vectored through Catalist last year. It is not possible for Buying Solutions to provide information on the total IT spend of the education sector as we do not have data on that proportion of IT spend which is taken to market through other procurement routes such as the local government Buying Consortia. The spreadsheet will show you the average invoice values for each of the customers. I am sure that you will be able to analyze the spreadsheet to provide your other answers.

Buying Solutions does not receive any income from customers in our Frameworks area of business. We do, however, receive between 0.7% and 1% commission from our Suppliers.

Ref No: FOI0120

Information Requested:

I would like to make a request under the Freedom of Information Act. I am currently doing some research in government and require the following documents:

1. Decision Makers- Please could you input the decision makers in an excel spreadsheet with their contact name, number and email address for each of the job titles below:

· Chief Executive

· Head of Finance

· Head of Corporate Services

· Head of Environment Services

· Head of Procurement

· Head of Estates

· Head of IT

· Head of Human Resources 2. Medium Term Financial Plan/Strategy 0708

3. Medium Term Corporate Strategy 0708

4. Corporate Service Plans

5. Capital Strategy

6. Corporate Asset Management Plan

7. Treasury Management and Investment Strategy

8. Corporate Strategic Investment Plan

9. Service Revenue Budgets 0708

10. Structure of the organisation including job title and names

11. ICT (Information Technology) Contracts Register

12. All ICT Contract expiring within 24 Months

Note: PLEASE STATE WHEN NEW PLANS ARE AVAILABLE IF PLANS ARE OUT OF DATE.

Response provided: Full response provided. If you would like to receive a full copy of the text of our response, please request this from: [email protected]

Ref No: FOI0121

Format: Letter 23 January 2008

Information Requested: Under the Freedom of Information Act (FIA 2000) public sector bodies are required to be helpful with regard to requests for information. The fact that there is NO written complaint from Walker Cox appears to be evading the issues in my original request. Under Buying Solutions complaints procedures, is there a Register of Complaints, and if so, is the Walker Cox complaint listed in the register? Can you please provide details of the Walker Cox complaint registered under the Buying Solutions complaints register? I also request that all notes and minutes resulting from the complaint made by Walker Cox, including any notes etc. relevant to the dismissal decision, be provided.

Ref No: FOI0122

Information Requested: Below are the list of documents that I require to follow my research, again with documents organisation(s) call them, this is why I have a detailed explanation on what that document must consist of to help you process my request.

1. Estates Strategy- consists of information on what the organisation is planning to procure, implement and the business drivers behind each procurement. The Strategy could also consist of timescales of implementation and budget allocated to each procurement.

2. Estates Directorate Business Plan- consists of the directorates' objective for the forthcoming year(s) and could also consist of budgetary forecast information.

3. Facilities Management Strategy- consists of information on what the organisation is planning to procure, implement and the business drivers behind each procurement. The Strategy could also consist of timescales of implementation and budget allocated to each procurement.

4. Facilities Directorate Business Plan- consists of the directorates' objective for the forthcoming year(s) and could also consist of budgetary forecast information.

5. Estates Directorate Structure- Outlying the main decision makers within the directorate.

6. Facilities Directorate Structure- Outlying the main decision makers within the directorate.

7. Estates and Facilities Management contracts registers- consists of information on the organisation's current contracts including information on the type, dates and value of the contract Contract Name: Department: Contract Start Date: Contract End Date: Duration: Extension (Optional): Value: Awarded to:

8. Approved Supplier list

Response provided: 1. Estates Strategy- consists of information on what the organisation is planning to procure, implement and the business drivers behind each procurement. The Strategy could also consist of timescales of implementation and budget allocated to each procurement.

OGCbuying.solutions does not have its own estates strategy; we conform to all Treasury guidance on estates management. We are part of the government estate.

2. Estates Directorate Business Plan- consists of the directorates' objective for the forthcoming year(s) and could also consist of budgetary forecast information.

HM Treasury Collaborative Management of the Civil Estate document attached.

3. Facilities Management Strategy- consists of information on what the organisation is planning to procure, implement and the business drivers behind each procurement. The Strategy could also consist of timescales of implementation and budget allocated to each procurement.

We do not have this information as we are tenants of OGC and Royal Liver Assurance.

4. Facilities Directorate Business Plan- consists of the directorates' objective for the forthcoming year(s) and could also consist of budgetary forecast information.

OGCbuying.solutions does not have a Facilities Directorate.

5. Estates Directorate Structure- Outlying the main decision makers within the directorate. OGCbuying.solutions does not have an Estates Directorate

6. Facilities Directorate Structure- Outlying the main decision makers within the directorate.

OGCbuying.solutions does not have a Facilities Directorate.

7. Estates and Facilities Management contracts registers- consists of information on the organisation's current contracts including information on the type, dates and value of the contract Contract Name: Department: Contract Start Date: Contract End Date: Duration: Extension (Optional): Value: Awarded to:

8. Approved Supplier list

Ref No: FOI0123

Information Requested: Under the Freedom of Information Act, I would request details of those companies requesting an extension and their reasons for doing so and their current association with DWP.

Response provided: Please be advised that OGCbuying.solutions considers that the disclosure of the information at this stage of the procurement process falls within the scope of the ‘commercial interests’ exemption included in the Freedom of Information Act 2000.

Disclosure may prejudice the commercial interests of OGCbuying.solutions and its stakeholders and, as a consequence, any framework agreement awarded as a result of this process may not offer the best value for money to the UK public sector that would otherwise be obtainable. It is for this reason that we also believe that the public interest test, where applicable, does not require disclosure at this time.

Ref No: FOI0124

Information Requested: I was up in the office on Friday meeting Rob and had planned to say hello but the meeting went way over time and I had my boss with me so next time. But we were discussing the existing eSourcing Framework Agreement with Rob (Bravo Solution and – I think – a company called Commerce Decisions are on it) and I was wondering whether it is possible to obtain copies of the PQQ and RFT documents from that tender?

Ref No: FOI0125

Format: Email 11 February 2008

I request an analysis of government departmental spend across the services provided under the Framework agreements Catalist.

Response provided: Full response provided. If you would like to receive a full copy of the text of our response, please request this from: [email protected] Ref No: FOI0126

Information Requested: I am trying to trace the original OJEU notice on their website that resulted in the Catalist Framework Agreement A217837 (12 lots).

Please could you let me have the original OJEU notice reference and date of the notice so that I can review it in the OJEU archives?

Ref No: FOI0127 Format Email 14 February 2008 Information Requested: I now ask under the Freedom of Information Act “please provide me with a contact names, addresses and telephone numbers for new suppliers seeking advice from OGCbs”. Under the Act I understand that you have 20 days to reply. I suggest you refer this request to your freedom of information officer. I doubt any of the 22 exemptions under the said Act will apply to this request and I remind you of Section 16 of the Act requiring public bodies like OGCbs to “be helpful” to an applicant. If your website were helpful this request under the Act would not be necessary.

I do not ask this second question expecting an answer but why do you make it near impossible for new suppliers to gather any details – it is not illegal under the EU directive or UK law to seek early information in an attempt to make them an effective supplier should they respond to and OJEU notice at a later date

Response provided: Consideration has now been given to your request. The contact details for new suppliers seeking advice from OGCbuying.solutions are

Customer Service Desk OGCbuying.solutions 5th Floor Royal Liver Building Pierhead Liverpool L3 1PE 0845 410 2222 [email protected]

All the information relating to how to become a supplier with Buying Solutions is available on our website located under the section “Supplier Zone”. The link to this part of the site is http://www.ogcbuyingsolutions.gov.uk/supplierzone/default.asp.

Ref No: FOI0128

Information Requested: We would like to know: 1) How much of the £2bn spend mentioned on your website relates to construction related services?

2) How do Government Departments or Organisations funded ( or funded to a large extent ) from the UK public purse procure works other than via ( a) OJEU or ( b) OGC Frameworks? i.e. do they use other frameworks? If so, what are they?

3) I would also be interested in understanding the split of these opportunities between OJEU and OGC Frameworks.

Response provided: Consideration has now been given to your request and for convenience; this reply follows the order of your email.

1) How much of the £2bn spend mentioned on your website relates to construction related services? This information was provided to you under your previous FOIA request dated 20 November 2007.

2) How do Government Departments or Organisations funded (or funded to a large extent) from the UK public purse procure works other than via (a) OJEU or (b) OGC Frameworks? i.e. do they use other frameworks? If so, what are they? We do not hold this information.

3) I would also be interested in understanding the split of these opportunities between OJEU and OGC Frameworks. We do not hold this information Ref No: FOI0129

Format: Email 12 March 2008

1. How many SME suppliers you have appointed to you framework agreements?

2. What percentage this represents of the total number of suppliers?

3. Please break it down by Small and Medium categories.

Response provided:

Consideration has been given to your request and for convenience; this reply follows the order of your email.

1. How many SME suppliers you have appointed to your framework agreements? A total of 194 SME suppliers have been appointed to our framework agreements.

2. What percentage this represents of the total number of suppliers? Of the total number of suppliers, 34.6% represents the number of SME suppliers.

3. Please break it down by Small and Medium categories. Buying Solutions does not distinguish between small and medium SME’s.

Ref No: FOI0130

Information Requested: For the Catalist Consultancy Framework Agreement for Multidisciplinary Consulting (Code: RM353) please provide a copy of the successful Detica and Hedra BearingPoint proposals.

Response provided: Consideration has now been given to your request; please find the following response:

You are being provided with copies of the relevant tenders. Where an exemption applies, the relevant text has been deleted and an annotation made to state which exemption has been applied.

Some content within the relevant tenders is covered by exemptions under section 43 of the Act, as the release of information is likely to prejudice the commercial interests of the tendering organisations. Commercial interests may be affected in competing for business generally and also specifically under the Multi-Disciplinary Consultancy framework agreement, which is extant.

Where the content is covered by a section 43 exemption, the relevant part of the text has been annotated appropriately.

The public interest test has been considered in all cases where a Section 43 exemption applies. It is judged to apply to responses in both tenders to question 29.

Section 41 exemptions have been applied to information provided in confidence, including identity of subcontractors where this is not otherwise a matter of public knowledge. Ref No: FOI0131

Information Requested: I would like to request a list of companies that have applied to become government suppliers through contracts secured with OGCbuying.solutions under the recent refreshes of framework agreements since 2005 under the Catalist Framework Agreement, but which have been turned down for any reason

I just need it for the specialist contractors’ lot1 and the programme and project management lot.

Ref No: FOI0132

Information Requested: Would it be possible to have a list of all your IT public sector bodies that purchase under the Catalist framework agreement (or have access to purchase under the framework?)

In addition could you provide me with spend data for the top 50 public sector bodies that purchase through the Catalist framework, for the latest accounting period you have available please.

Could you also provide me a breakdown for all suppliers on Specialist contractors A217832 L1, as to how much was spent with these suppliers through Catalist frameworks please, again for the latest accounting period?

Could I also have a breakdown as to what public sector bodies use Specialist contractors via the catalist framework and how many work at these government bodies, your latest figures available would be great?

Information Requested: For both the following catalist contracts: i) HR Recruitment Services ii) Board/Executive level Interim Management Services

Could you supply the following information? a) The total annual spend on each contract for the most recent year b) The number of assignments released on each contract in the last year c) The number of assignments placed by each supplier on both contracts d) Whether diversity information is collated for placed candidates on either contract

Response provided: Part response provided. If you would like to receive a full copy of the text of our response, please request this from: [email protected]

Ref No: FOI0134

As part of the London Borough of Southwark's on-going review of procurement processes and procedures etc, I am writing to request a list of all Southwark staff who have registered to have access to the OGC on-line procurement system.

I understand that such a request has to be processed under the Data Protection Act.

Would it also be possible to get information as to the procurement activity undertaken by these members of staff?

Response provided: Consideration has now been given to your request and for convenience; this reply follows the order of your email. I am writing to request a list of all Southwark staff who have registered to have access to the OGC on-line procurement system. Please find attached the list of London Borough of Southwark staff who currently have access to the website. Would it also be possible to get information as to the procurement activity undertaken by these members of staff? We do not hold this information.

Ref No: FOI0135

Format: Letter 4 April 2008

Information Requested: Under the terms of the Freedom of Information Act (2000), could you please supply us with the following data:-

1. Total lease payments (excluding property) for the years 2004-5, 2005-6 and 2006-7 2. Total operating lease payments (excluding property) for the years 2004-5, 2005-6 and 2006-7 3. Total Interest payments on finance leases ( excluding property) for the years 2004-5, 2005-6 and 2006-7

Response provided: Consideration has now been given to your request and for convenience; this reply follows the order of your letter.

Under the terms of the Freedom of Information Act (2000), could you please supply us with the following data:-

1. Total lease payments (excluding property) for the years 2004-5, 2005-6 and 2006-7- The payments for the years 2004-5, 2005-6 and 2006-7 are:-

2004-5 £432,000 2005-6 £292,000 2006-7 £379,000

2. Total operating lease payments (excluding property) for the years 2004-5, 2005-6 and 2006-7 – The payments are the same as question 1.

3. Total Interest payments on finance leases (excluding property) for the years 2004- 5, 2005-6 and 2006-7 - OGCbuying.solutions does not have finance leases. Ref No: FOI0136

Format: Email 15 April 2008

I would like to make a freedom of information request in regards to key personnel within your organisation, please can you provide me with the following information:-

 Head of ICT  Chief Technical Officer  Key Personnel Responsible for Shared Services  Network Manager  Application Manager  Hardware Manager

Please could you provide me with their names, telephone, email addresses and full address?

Ref No: FOI0137

Information Requested: This is a request under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 for the information set out below.

The majority of the information requested below relates to the tender in respect of the creation of a framework agreement for photocopying equipment and MFDs pursuant to the contract notice advertised by OGCbuying.solutions in the Official Journal in 2007, reference OJ 2007/S 126-154424 (the "framework agreement tender").

1. All documents (including, but not limited to, letters, emails, facsimiles and notes) relating to the inclusion of the following pre-qualification questionnaire ("PQQ") criterion in the framework agreement tender:

"The successful supplier(s) will have demonstrated that they have the skills and resource to manage customer accounts on both a national and local level. The ability to offer national coverage whilst delivering the specific requirements of a 'local' customer will be necessary and established." (the "national coverage PQQ criterion"). This should include any documents in relation to the reasons for its inclusion, any advice given or received in relation to the legality of its inclusion and whether any less restrictive options were considered (e.g. different lots for UK national coverage, Scottish coverage or specific regional coverage).

2. All documents (including, but not limited to, letters, emails, facsimiles and notes) relating to any queries and any corresponding responses in relation to the national coverage PQQ criterion. This should include, but not be limited to, all internal and external communications and advice given or received (including in respect of Capital Solutions query about this criterion);

3. Information on whether the national coverage PQQ criterion (or similar) is a standard conditions contained in all PQQs for framework agreements to be established by OGCbuying.solutions;

4. All documents (including, but not limited to, letters, emails, facsimiles and notes) relating to the evaluation of any completed PQQ submissions in respect of the framework agreement tender. This should include, but not be limited to, the evaluation of Altodigital's PQQ submission;

5. A copy of the PQQ response and tender response from Altodigital;

6. All documents (including, but not limited to, letters, emails, facsimiles and notes) relating to the evaluation of Altodigital's tender response;

7. All documents (including, but not limited to, any contracts, letters, emails, facsimiles and notes) relating to Altodigital's ability to meet the national coverage PQQ requirement;

8. A copy of the contracts entered into between OGCbuying.solutions and any economic operator appointed to the framework agreement;

9. Information on the supplies or services (including in terms of volume and value) expected to be procured using the framework agreement and information on which contracting authorities are likely to use the framework; and

10. Information on the supplies or services procured (in terms of volume and value) of any predecessor framework agreements for photocopying equipment and MFDs. This should include a breakdown of the services/supplies 'called-off' by each contracting authority.

The majority of the information requested below relates to the tender in respect of the creation of a framework agreement for photocopying equipment and MFDs pursuant to the contract notice advertised by OGCbuying.solutions in the Official Journal in 2007, reference OJ 2007/S 126-154424 (the "framework agreement tender").

1. All documents (including, but not limited to, letters, emails, facsimiles and notes) relating to the inclusion of the following pre-qualification questionnaire ("PQQ") criterion in the framework agreement tender: "The successful supplier(s) will have demonstrated that they have the skills and resource to manage customer accounts on both a national and local level. The ability to offer national coverage whilst delivering the specific requirements of a 'local' customer will be necessary and established." (the "national coverage PQQ criterion").

This should include any documents in relation to the reasons for its inclusion, any advice given or received in relation to the legality of its inclusion and whether any less restrictive options were considered (e.g. different lots for UK national coverage, Scottish coverage or specific regional coverage).

Copies of the Stakeholder Forum minutes and the Facilities Support – Multifunctional Devices Framework Business Case with confidential information redacted are attached.

2. All documents (including, but not limited to, letters, emails, facsimiles and notes) relating to any queries and any corresponding responses in relation to the national coverage PQQ criterion. This should include, but not be limited to, all internal and external communications and advice given or received (including in respect of Capital Solutions query about this criterion);

Copies of emails dated 21 February 2007 and 6 July 2007 are attached.

3. Information on whether the national coverage PQQ criterion (or similar) is a standard condition contained in all PQQs for framework agreements to be established by OGCbuying.solutions;

The national coverage PQQ criterion is not a standard condition and as such is not contained within all the PQQs for framework agreements. The Business Case would determine if this criterion is required.

4. All documents (including, but not limited to, letters, emails, facsimiles and notes) relating to the evaluation of any completed PQQ submissions in respect of the framework agreement tender. This should include, but not be limited to, the evaluation of Altodigital's PQQ submission;

A copy of the PQQ evaluation criteria for the Photocopiers & Multifunctional Products & Services, Print Room and Managed Services contract is attached.

5. A copy of the PQQ response and tender response from Altodigital;

A copy of the Alcatel letter, with confidential information redacted, is attached.

6. All documents (including, but not limited to, letters, emails, facsimiles and notes) relating to the evaluation of Altodigital's tender response; 7. All documents (including, but not limited to, any contracts, letters, emails, facsimiles and notes) relating to Altodigital's ability to meet the national coverage PQQ requirement;

Please be advised that OGCbuying.solutions considers that the disclosure of the information relating to the above questions (6 and 7) falls within the scope of the ‘information provided in confidence’ and ‘commercial interests’ exemptions included in sections 41 and 43 of the Freedom of Information Act 2000.

Disclosure may constitute an actionable breach of confidence and prejudice the commercial interests of the providers of the information, OGCbuying.solutions and its stakeholders. OGCbuying.solutions’ ability to achieve value for money in the future may be prejudiced. It is for this reason that we also believe that the public interest test, where applicable, does not require disclosure at this time.

8. A copy of the contracts entered into between OGCbuying.solutions and any economic operator appointed to the framework agreement;

A copy of the Model contract is attached.

9. Information on the supplies or services (including in terms of volume and value) expected to be procured using the framework agreement and information on which contracting authorities are likely to use the framework; and

A copy of the Specification/Service Level Agreement for RM450 Photocopiers & Multifunctional Products & Services, Print Room and Managed Services is attached. This document provides information on what services and supplies can be procured from the Framework. A copy of the OJEU Contract Notice is attached. This document provides information on which contracting authorities are allowed to use the Framework.

10. Information on the supplies or services procured (in terms of volume and value) of any predecessor framework agreements for photocopying equipment and MFDs. This should include a breakdown of the services/supplies 'called-off' by each contracting authority.

The spreadsheet represents the total customer spend by sector on photocopying equipment and MFDs since 2003/04.

Ref No: FOI0138

Information Requested: I am writing with a Freedom of Information Request concerning the performance of the Mts Managed Service, against contracted Service Level Targets detailed in the Mts contract. Enclosed below are the specific questions; (1) What is the OGCbuying.solutions stated performance against Service Level Targets to its client base for each of the 4 quarters of 2006?

(2) What is the OGCbuying.solutions stated performance against Service Level Targets to its client base for each of the 4 quarters of 2007?

(3) What is the OGCbuying.solutions stated performance against Service Level Targets to its client base year to date 2008?

(4) Details of any performance credits to OGCbuying.solutions from the Contractor.

Response provided: Consideration has now been given to your request and for convenience; this reply follows the order of your email. Please note that the quarters referred to are calendar quarters not financial year quarters.

Q1 99.99% Q2 99.95% Q3 99.87% Q4 99.98%

SLA Target 99.96%

Q1 99.99% Q2 99.99% Q3 99.97% Q4 99.99%

SLA Target 99.96%

(3) What is the OGCbuying.solutions stated performance against Service Level Targets to its client base year to date 2008?

On 31st December 2007 the contract for the supply of Mts Services ended. During the negotiations for a three year extension of the contract to 31st December 2011, the opportunity was taken to significantly enhance and extend the Service Level Targets and the Service Credits apportioned to them should the target not be reached. The new targets came into force in a phased manner during the first calendar quarter of 2008. Comparisons between the pre-December 2007 figures and the post-April 2008 figures are thus not valid.

Q1 99.99%

SLA Target 99.96%

(4) Details of any performance credits to OGCbuying.solutions from the Contractor. We believe this information is exempt from disclosure under Section 43, as the release of information is likely to prejudice the commercial interests of Buying Solutions and the Contractor. Ref No: FOI0139

Format: Letter 29 April 2008

Information Requested: I am writing to ask you to supply certain information about the competition whose reference is given above. Please treat this as a request under the Freedom of Information Act 2000. I have waited until the end of the competition to write to you since I would not now expect to find that you to consider any of the matters I am asking about are commercially sensitive in any way. In saying this I am not agreeing, of course, that they would necessarily have been commercially sensitive even during the competition.

The Information I would like is as follows:

1. the score Cadcorp (Computer Aided Development Corporation Limited) received for Lot 1;

2. where, numerically, Cadcorp, was placed in the Lot 1 tender evaluation exercise;

3. details of the identity of any consulting firm hired to help with preparing the requirement for the competition (I am not asking for the names of any personnel);

4. if one was appointed, the scope of that consultant’s engagement, in particular, but without limiting this request, any specification of services you had for that consultant; and

5. More generally an explanation of how the requirement for Lot 1 of the above competition came to be settled, including details of any consultations with stakeholder groups, customers and internal discussions settling the requirement.

Response provided: Consideration has now been given to your request and for convenience; this reply follows the order of your letter:

The Information I would like is as follows:

1 the score Cadcorp (Computer Aided Development Corporation Limited) received for Lot 1; The overall score Cadcorp received for Lot 1 was 1,346.75

2. where, numerically, Cadcorp, was placed in the Lot 1 tender evaluation exercise; Cadcorp, with a score of 1,346.75 were placed 24th out of 34 suppliers tendering on Lot 1.

3. details of the identity of any consulting firm hired to help with preparing the requirement for the competition (I am not asking for the names of any personnel); 4. if one was appointed, the scope of that consultant’s engagement, in particular, but without limiting this request, any specification of services you had for that consultant; and

No external consulting firm was used, at any time in preparing the requirement for the GISS re-competition.

5. more generally an explanation of how the requirement for Lot 1 of the above competition came to be settled, including details of any consultations with stakeholder groups, customers and internal discussions settling the requirement.

The Scope of Lot 1 was determined around Jan-Mar 06 by the Buying Solutions Category Manager responsible for the existing GIS framework at the time following analysis of the usage of S-Cat Category 15. Consultation took part with stakeholders, namely the Buying Solutions GIS Customer focus group.

This group is a GIS user community forum is which operational service issues, service development and the scope for further utilisation of GIS services was discussed. The user group provided feedback to OGCbuying.solutions, informing the decision making process and increasing the effectiveness of OGCbuying.solutions in its management of the GIS Framework contract. This group included representatives from central and local governments and the heads of two IGGI sub-groups.

There were meetings with AGI early in 2007, including a meeting with Derek Rothwell, Director of Procurement concerning the GISS procurement and subsequent communications with the Director of AGI.

Ref No: FOI0140

Format: Email 1 May 2008

Information Requested: Under the Freedom of Information Act I would like to request some information. My enquiries relate directly to the SIFT evaluation criteria for the Frameworks - ICT Solution/Services (Specialist Solutions and ICT Consultancy. 1 Both previous PQQs asked questions about any accreditations or memberships of professional associations held by employees and as an organisation. The SIFT evaluation criteria provided stated that these would be assessed in terms of relevance to the Lots. Please could you clarify what professional accreditations and/or memberships were deemed relevant in relation to both these frameworks, ideally providing specific examples? 2 Could you provide more information about how the ICC score is measured with regards economic and financial standing?

Ref No: FOI0141 Format Email 1 May 2008 Information Requested: We are a supplier of strategy and management consultancy services to local government. For the purposes of planning the development of our business, to understand the market and to ensure that we are recommending appropriate procurement routes for our clients we would be very keen to understand how local government is using Catalist – our impression is more so over time. I was therefore hoping that you would be able to provide me with a breakdown of all local government procurement of Consultancy Services under Catalist, including

• Local authority / purchaser • Contract name and description • Contract value • Winning bidder • Date of contract award • Services category (e.g. IS Strategy and Development, Organisational Consultancy, Multi-disciplinary, etc)

From a previous FOI request submitted in January I already have this information for the period 1 September 2007- 30 November 2007. I would therefore like to request this information from 1 December 2007 to the most recent whole month that you have available at this time.

Format: Emails 9 May 2008 and 15 May 2008

Information Requested: Currently looking into ICT Procurement throughout government and require the following details on suppliers on Information Technology Frameworks. So for every supplier under the Information Technology Framework could you please supply me with their details:-

 Supplier Name:  Contact Name:  Contact Number:  Contact Mobile:  Email Address:  Start of Framework:  Duration of Framework:  Value of Framework:  Framework the supplier is on:

The specific contacts I require is the person who signed of the contract for that actual frame agreement e.g. Head of Public Sector Development etc. I also understand that the contact details request may not be held by the organisation.

Response provided: Consideration has now been given to your request.

Under section 21 of the Act, we are not required to provide information in response to a request if it is already reasonably accessible to you.

The majority of information you have requested is available from our website and the Official Journal of the European Union http://ted.europa.eu/

The link to the Information Technology Framework page on our website is http://online.ogcbuyingsolutions.gov.uk/information/Misc/ITGoods/. The Information Technology Framework is split into eleven Lots. When you navigate the website each Lot will give you details of the Start of the Framework and the Framework Expiry date. It will also list the suppliers for that particular Lot.

Due to DPA we are not able to provide you with contact details of the person who signed the agreement, but the website does contain other contact details for each supplier.

We are unclear what you mean by ‘value of framework’. Framework Agreements do not guarantee any business for a supplier as they are a call-off arrangement. Business will be awarded to a supplier following success in a further competition. We are unable to predict how successful each supplier will be. Ref No: FOI0143

Format: Email 15 May 2008

Information Requested: I would like to make a freedom of information request in regards to Information Communication Technology (ICT). I understand the some organisation may state ICT as IT/IS etc. Could you please send me the following information?

1. Corporate ICT Strategy for 2008-09- if the document is out of date please state when a new ICT Strategy for 2008-09 will be published. 2. ICT Service/Business Plan for 2008-09- if the document is out of date please state when a new ICT Strategy for 2008-09 will be published. 3. The structure of the ICT Department 4. Could you also state the key personnel internally that hold the strategy contact details, name, number, job title and email address

Response provided: Clarification email issued 15 May 2008. No response received so FOI request closed.

Ref No: FOI0144

Format: Email 5 June 2008

Information Requested: 1. The weighted scoring system originally devised for evaluating the Pre- Qualification Questionnaires and any and all amendments made to it during the course of the evaluation process.

2. The criteria and sub-criteria originally devised for evaluating the Pre- Qualification Questionnaires and any and all amendments made to them during the course of the evaluation.

3. A breakdown of our score against (a) the questions in the Pre-Qualification Questionnaire and (b) the criteria and sub-criteria used for evaluation the Pre- Qualification Questionnaires.

4. The reasons why we were not selected to be invited to tender.

5. The weighting attributed to the need for FSC Category A certification in the original scoring system and any and all amendments made to this during the course of the evaluation process.

6. Our score(s) in relation to the need for FSC Category A certification and/or for Questions 8.5 – 8.7.

7. Whether the fact that our company does not itself have FSC Category A certification was the reason for the decision not to select us to be invited to tender.

8. Our score in relation to Previous Experience and Comparable Contracts.

9. A list of our customer contacts contacted as part of the evaluation process.

10. All correspondence between OGCbuying.solutions and/or the evaluation team and the MOD in relation to our previous experience and/or comparable contracts with the MOD.

11. All information and/or documentation (whether formal or informal, in writing or otherwise, whether internal to OGCbuying.solutions or involving third parties) concerning (a) the decision not to select our company to be invited to tender and (b) the grounds, process and methodology used to make such a decision.

12. All information and/or documentation held by or in the control of OGCbuying.solutions concerning the Pre-Qualification Questionnaire evaluation.

1. The weighted scoring system originally devised for evaluating the pre-qualification questionnaires is attached within Annex A. No amendments were made during the course of the evaluation. Please note the same scoring system was used to evaluate responses for all six Lots and Amaryllis Limited were successful in being invited to submit a bid for Lots Two, Three, Four and Five.

2. The evaluation criteria originally devised for evaluating the pre-qualification questionnaires is attached within Annex A. No amendments were made during the course of the evaluation process. Details of the evaluation approach are attached within sections nine and ten and the Conditions of Participation of the pre- qualification questionnaire attached within Annex B.

3. A breakdown of the scores awarded to Amaryllis Limited against each question for all six Lots is attached within Annex C. The marks were then incorporated into the weighted scoring system attached within Annex A.

4. Using the weighted scoring system and evaluation criteria contained within Annex A and B, Amaryllis Limited was successful in being invited to submit a bid for Lots Two, Three, Four and Five. Subsequently Amaryllis Limited declined to submit a bid immediately prior to the tender response deadline.

With respect to Lot One, Amaryllis Limited was not selected to submit a bid as other suppliers accumulated an overall higher mark within the comparative evaluation of the pre-qualification questionnaire responses. The pre-qualification questionnaire stated that for Lot One the top twelve suppliers would progress to the invitation to tender stage of the evaluation and would be invited to submit a bid. The overall mark awarded was not sufficient for Amaryllis Limited to be included within the top twelve suppliers.

5. The weighting attributed to Environmental Management is detailed in Section D of the weighted scoring system attached within Annex A. No amendments were made during the course of the evaluation.

6. A breakdown of the marks awarded to Amaryllis Limited in relation to Environmental Management is attached within Annex C.

7. The fact that Amaryllis Limited does not itself have FSC Category A certification was not the reason why your company was not selected to submit a bid for Lot One. Amaryllis Limited was successful in being invited to submit a bid for Lots Two, Three, Four and Five. With respect to Lot One, Amaryllis Limited was not selected as other suppliers accumulated an overall higher mark within the comparative evaluation of the pre-qualification questionnaire responses. The pre-qualification questionnaire stated that for Lot One the top twelve suppliers would progress to the invitation to tender stage of the evaluation and would be invited to submit a bid. The overall mark awarded was not sufficient for Amaryllis Limited to be included within the top twelve suppliers.

With respect to the evaluation of the pre-qualification questionnaires, Environmental Management was one of the five sections evaluated.

8. Prior to the commencement of tender process, OGCbuying.solutions made the decision not to allocate marks for Section F: Previous Experience and Comparable Contracts. No supplier, including Amaryllis Limited, was awarded any marks for Section F.

9. As part of the evaluation, OGCbuying.solutions did not approach any contacts provided by suppliers, including Amaryllis Limited.

10. OGCbuying.solutions does not hold records of any correspondence between OGCbuying.solutions and/or the evaluation team and the MOD in relation to your previous experience and/or comparable contracts with the MOD.

11. The weighted scoring system devised for evaluating the pre-qualification questionnaires is attached within Annex A. The evaluation report circulated to third parties, for information purposes only, and the MoD is attached within Annex D. Annex D also contains the MoD’s approval of the pre-qualification evaluation report.

At this time, the confidentially agreement between OGCbuying.solutions and Equifax prevents the release of the Equifax financial assessment detailed within the evaluation report. 12. Please see the following information and documentation relating to the pre- qualification held by OGCbuying.solutions.

Annex A- The weighted scoring system devised for evaluating the pre- qualification questionnaires.

Annex B - The pre-qualification questionnaire.

Annex C - A breakdown of the scores awarded to Amaryllis Limited against each question for all six Lots.

Annex D - The evaluation report circulated to third parties, for information purposes only, and the MoD and the MoD’s approval of the pre- qualification evaluation report.

Annex E - The marks awarded to each company within the Lot One pre- qualification evaluation.

Annex F - The pre-qualification questionnaire response submitted by Amaryllis Limited.

Annex G - The award/decline letter dated 17th March 2008 issued by OGCbuying.solutions to Amaryllis Limited.

Annex H - The correspondence dated 15th April 2008 and 21st April 2008 exchanged between OGCbuying.solutions and Amaryllis Limited.

Annex I - Questions raised by Amaryllis Limited during the pre-qualification process and the responses provided by OGCbuying.solutions.

OGCbuying.solutions considers that, at this time, the disclosure of information relating to the pre-qualification submissions made by other supplier’s and the redacted information falls within the scope of the ‘information provided in confidence’ and ‘commercial interests’ exemptions included in sections 41 and 43 of the Freedom of Information Act 2000. Disclosure may constitute an actionable breach of confidence and prejudice OGCbuying.solutions ability to achieve value for money.

Individual names and contact details have been removed from some documentation for data protection reasons. Ref No: FOI0145

Information Requested: I am looking to understand how much the public sector spends on Market Research services either via the OGC or as a whole. Ideally I would like to break that down into aspects such as Local Authorities, Regional Development Agencies and Central Government Departments but any help would be useful.

If you do not hold this information then I would be grateful on any ideas you may have on which department would hold this sort of data.

Ref No: FOI0146

Information Requested: I would like details of expenses claims made by the chief executive of OGCbuying Solutions in the following periods: 2005/6, 2006/7 & 2007/8.

Expenses claims are understood to relate to costs involving: travel, accommodation, food, telephone bills, hospitality & clothing.

I would like the figures broken down into annual totals for each period; together which a description and date for each claim over £100.

For example

2005/6 – total claimed in expenses £1,000 2 April 2005 – hotel in Berlin £200

This request forms part of a national survey. This request still stands if the holder of the post has changed over the period. Please detail names of post-holders.

Format: Letter 16 June 2008

Information Requested: I would like some more information about the membership of the “GIS user community forum” you mentioned in your reply. This will help me better understand how your requirements are settled before competitions start.

I am after two pieces of information:

1. Full details of the members of the “GIS user community forum”. If you can tell me the identity of the relevant individuals this would be helpful, in case I know them. I appreciate, however, that in some, if not all, cases the Data Protection Act 1998 may make this difficult. If this is the case, I would like you to let me know the role of the individual members within their relevant organisations, to the extent – of course – that you have this information. In any event, I would like the names of all the participating organisations.

2. How you put together the “GIS user community forum” and what the criteria for membership are.

Response provided: Consideration has now been given to your request and for convenience; this reply follows the order of your letter:

1. The GIS Focus Group involved the following organisations. Details of roles have been given where available:

 Senior Projects & Programme Manager, Defence Estates  Senior GIS Manager, Scottish Executive  Head of Information Management, British Geological Survey  New Formats of Information Manager, National Archives  Geographic Information Services Manager, DCLG  Programme Manager, Highways Agency  Senior Procurement Officer, Environment Agency  GIS Manager, Countryside Council for Wales  Forth Valley GIS

2. The terms of reference for the GIS User Forum are attached at Appendix A for your information. Ref No: FOI0148

Information Requested: The name of the external law firms who advised on the following project:

MTS - Telecoms Service – Communications

Response provided: Consideration has now been given to your request and our response is below.

The name of the external law firms who advised on the following project:

MTS - Telecoms Service – Communications

Bird and Bird were the legal advisors on the Mts procurement.

Ref No: FOI0149

Information Requested: Could you please send me the following contact details in regards to key personel within you organisation:-

Chief Executive Head of IT Head of Estates Head of Procurement/Supply's Head of Human Resources

Please could you supply me with their Contact name, job title, DIRECT contact telephone number and DIRECT email addresses

Response provided: Part response provided. If you would like to receive a full copy of the text of our response, please request this from: [email protected] Ref No: FOI0150

Information Requested: 1. The total value of expense claims made by each board member and each employee of director level and above

2. The full job title (including department) of every employee earning a total salary of £100,000 or more, and the actual total salary they receive

Response provided: Part response provided. If you would like to receive a full copy of the text of our response, please request this from: [email protected]

Ref No: FOI0151

Information Requested: I would like to make a request under the freedom of information act. Could you please locate the following documents:

 Estates Strategy 0809 and Business Plan 0809  Facilities Management 0809 and Business Plan 0809  Estates Structure  Facilities Management Structure

Response provided: Consideration has been given to your request and for convenience; this reply follows the order of your email.

 Estates Strategy 0809  Facilities Management 0809 OGCbuying.solutions does not have an Estates or Facilities Management Strategy.

 Estates Structure  Facilities Management Structure OGCbuying.solutions does not have an Estates or Facilities Management Structure

 Business Plan 0809 We believe disclosure of our Business Plan falls within the scope of the ‘commercial interests’ exemptions included in section 43 of the Freedom of Information Act 2000.

Disclosure may prejudice the commercial interests of OGCbuying.solutions and its stakeholders. OGCbuying.solutions’ ability to achieve value for money in the future may be prejudiced. It is for this reason that we also believe that the public interest test, where applicable, does not require disclosure at this time.

Ref No: FOI0152

Format: Email 3 July 2008

Information Requested: I represent a potential supplier interested in tendering for the following Catalist categories when they expire in 2009: * Functional Consultancy * Environmental Consultancy * ICT Consultancy * Organisational Consultancy

I have been advised that under the Freedom of Information Act I would be able to receive data on the above, in terms of the historical and current revenue spend to date.

Ref No: FOI0153

Format: Emails 5 July 2008, 9 July 2008, 30 July 2008 and 27 August 2008

Information Requested: Thank you for your email dated 09 July 2008 requesting the following information:

1. Can I first refine my question from 5 July? I am particularly interested in having details of the total spend in the year to April 2008 on the following management consultancy related frameworks:

FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT CONSULTANCY FUNCTIONAL CONSULTANCY - HR CONSULTANCY FUNCTIONAL CONSULTANCY – MARKETING FUNCTIONAL CONSULTANCY PROJECT/PROG. MANAGEMENT MULT-DISCIPLINARY CONSULTANCY ORGANISATIONAL CONSULTANCY - BUSINESS STRATEGY ORGANISATIONAL CONSULTANCY -CENTRAL CIVIL GOV. ORGANISATIONAL CONSULTANCY – DEFENCE ORGANISATIONAL CONSULTANCY P EDUCATION & CHILDRENS SERVICES ORGANISATIONAL CONSULTANCY – HEALTH ORGANISATIONAL CONSULTANCY - LOCAL GOV. & LOCAL ORG. ORGANISATIONAL CONSULTANCY - POLICY & CRIMINAL JUSTICE ORGANISATIONAL CONSULTANCY – OUTSOURCING FUNCTIONAL CONSULATNCY - PROCUREMENT CONSULTANCY

I should also be interested in the total spend on Interim frameworks for management consultancy related roles

If you can easily provide information on other frameworks then this would be beneficial but not essential

2. Could you provide me with a breakdown on the profile of the expenditure detailing both the number of individual assignments/commissions and their total value for each of the frameworks named above (not including interim contracts) in the ranges: a. Up to £50,000 b. £50,001to £100,000 c. £100,001 to £200,00 d. £200,000+

If this is too difficult or too costly, a split at the £100,000 level only would suffice.

3. Your website lists some 45 individual firms on the above frameworks. Could you please detail how many of these firms are: a. Small to Medium sized Enterprises (SMEs) using the EU definition – which I believe is less than 250 staff or less than £14m turnover. b. How many of these firms have less than 100 staff c. How many have less than 50 staff

It would be very helpful if you could provide the following: 1. The first covers my earlier question today – how many of the firms appointed to the 14 frameworks are SMEs as per the EU definition? The figures you provide are for individual frameworks and I am not sure if the sum of the firms counted as SMEs double counts any across the 14 categories. Could you please confirm the exact number of individual firms excluding duplicates that are SMEs across the 14 frameworks? 2. You indicated in response to my questions 3b and 3c, that the information I requested is not held by yourselves. As an alternative could you provide an analysis by level of turnover? I understand that at the expression of interest stage in the bidding process that you request financial statements from all potential bidders so could you provide me with the total number of individual firms appointed to the 14 frameworks in the following turnover categories: a. Up to £1million b. £1 million to £7million c. £7million to £14million d. £14million and above The total of these four categories should add to (I think) 45 which is the total number of individual firms appointed to the 14 frameworks excluding duplicates. 3. The spreadsheet providing details of the total value of invoices per customer order number is very interesting and shows a snapshot of the activity on the frameworks across the year. However, I am not sure that it fully provides the information I am seeking as some of the assignments may only have started late in the year and hence would not show their total value. Could you provide for each purchase order listed on the spreadsheet, the total purchase order value rather than the invoiced value instead? If this is not possible could you provide the total invoiced value (irrespective of year end) for the assignments completed during the year to end of March 2008?

I should however like to test my understanding of your replies regarding the numbers of small to medium sized enterprises that are on the 14 framework contracts that I referred to in my FOI request. I am sure that this can be resolved with a minimum of effort based on the fact finding you have already completed so should not involve more than a few minutes work. As this is such a formal process, I thought it easiest to ask you to respond by confirming if the following statements are true and if false to correct them. A response to each statement would be appreciated. The statements I should like you to confirm are: 1. The 27 firms on the 14 frameworks that OGC Buying solutions state are small to medium sized enterprises (SMEs) had less than 250 staff at the time of their bidding for the contract 2. OGC Buying solutions do not know, without re-examining the firms’ response to the invitation to tender for the contracts, if any of these 27 firms exceeded £14million in turnover at the time of bidding for the contract 3. OGC Buying solutions do not monitor the size of firm in terms of the number of staff they employ during the contract period 4. OGC Buying solutions do not monitor the size of firm in terms of the level of turnover during the contract period 5. OGC Buying solutions do not know how many of the firms appointed to the 14 frameworks are currently SMEs at this point in time Response provided: Consideration has been given to your request and for convenience; this reply follows the order of your email.

1. Can I first refine my question from 5 July? I am particularly interested in having details of the total spend in the year to April 2008 on the following management consultancy related frameworks:

FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT CONSULTANCY FUNCTIONAL CONSULTANCY - HR CONSULTANCY FUNCTIONAL CONSULTANCY – MARKETING FUNCTIONAL CONSULTANCY PROJECT/PROG. MANAGEMENT MULT-DISCIPLINARY CONSULTANCY ORGANISATIONAL CONSULTANCY - BUSINESS STRATEGY ORGANISATIONAL CONSULTANCY -CENTRAL CIVIL GOV. ORGANISATIONAL CONSULTANCY – DEFENCE ORGANISATIONAL CONSULTANCY P EDUCATION & CHILDRENS SERVICES ORGANISATIONAL CONSULTANCY – HEALTH ORGANISATIONAL CONSULTANCY - LOCAL GOV. & LOCAL ORG. ORGANISATIONAL CONSULTANCY - POLICY & CRIMINAL JUSTICE ORGANISATIONAL CONSULTANCY – OUTSOURCING FUNCTIONAL CONSULATNCY - PROCUREMENT CONSULTANCY

I should also be interested in the total spend on Interim frameworks for management consultancy related roles

If you can easily provide information on other frameworks then this would be beneficial but not essential

Please find an excel spreadsheet attached containing the relevant information.

2. Could you provide me with a breakdown on the profile of the expenditure detailing both the number of individual assignments/commissions and their total value for each of the frameworks named above (not including interim contracts) in the ranges: a. Up to £50,000 b. £50,001to £100,000 c. £100,001 to £200,00 d. £200,000+

If this is too difficult or too costly, a split at the £100,000 level only would suffice.

3. Your website lists some 45 individual firms on the above frameworks. Could you please detail how many of these firms are: a. Small to Medium sized Enterprises (SMEs) using the EU definition – which I believe is less than 250 staff or less than £14m turnover. FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT CONSULTANCY – 7 firms across all lots FUNCTIONAL CONSULTANCY - HR CONSULTANCY – 3 firms FUNCTIONAL CONSULTANCY – MARKETING – 4 firms FUNCTIONAL CONSULTANCY PROJECT/PROG. MANAGEMENT – 3 firms MULT-DISCIPLINARY CONSULTANCY – 0 firms ORGANISATIONAL CONSULTANCY - BUSINESS STRATEGY – 2 firms ORGANISATIONAL CONSULTANCY -CENTRAL CIVIL GOV. – 3 firms ORGANISATIONAL CONSULTANCY – DEFENCE – 4 firms ORGANISATIONAL CONSULTANCY P EDUCATION & CHILDRENS SERVICES – 2 firms ORGANISATIONAL CONSULTANCY – HEALTH – 3 firms ORGANISATIONAL CONSULTANCY - LOCAL GOV. & LOCAL ORG. – 1 firm ORGANISATIONAL CONSULTANCY - POLICY & CRIMINAL JUSTICE – 3 firms ORGANISATIONAL CONSULTANCY – OUTSOURCING – 3 firms FUNCTIONAL CONSULATNCY - PROCUREMENT CONSULTANCY – 5 firms b. How many of these firms have less than 100 staff c. How many have less than 50 staff

Regarding question 3b and 3c, the information requested is not held. We just record the fact that they sit within the EU definition.

The first covers my earlier question today – how many of the firms appointed to the 14 frameworks are SMEs as per the EU definition? The figures you provide are for individual frameworks and I am not sure if the sum of the firms counted as SMEs double counts any across the 14 categories. Could you please confirm the exact number of individual firms excluding duplicates that are SMEs across the 14 frameworks? The exact number of individual firms (excluding duplicates) that are SMEs equals 27. When evaluating these framework agreements, we used only the employee numbers in deciding whether a supplier was an SME or not (i.e. a company employing less than 250 people).

This information is based on the records we hold from the original evaluation. The status of the companies may have changed over the interceding years whether by growth or takeover/merger.

2. You indicated in response to my questions 3b and 3c, that the information I requested is not held by yourselves. As an alternative could you provide an analysis by level of turnover? I understand that at the expression of interest stage in the bidding process that you request financial statements from all potential bidders so could you provide me with the total number of individual firms appointed to the 14 frameworks in the following turnover categories: a. Up to £1million b. £1 million to £7million c. £7million to £14million d. £14million and above The total of these four categories should add to (I think) 45 which is the total number of individual firms appointed to the 14 frameworks excluding duplicates. This information is not easily available, and OGCbuying solutions are considering whether a 'fee' may be payable in this case, as it is possible retrieval of the information may exceed the 'appropriate limit'. The appropriate limit, for central government departments, as set out by the Ministry of Justice, is £600 based on a £25 standard hourly rate. This is pursuant to Sections 9 and 13 of the Act. If we determine a fee is payable we will issue a 'fee notice' to you (Section 9 (1).

However, you could probably obtain this information, free of charge, by visiting the respective company’s' websites - where details of turnover should be recorded in their Annual Reports/Accounts. Alternatively, you may be able to obtain information from the Companies House website (www.companieshouse.gov.uv).

Before I calculate the exact fee, will you please let me know how you wish to proceed?

3. The spreadsheet providing details of the total value of invoices per customer order number is very interesting and shows a snapshot of the activity on the frameworks across the year. However, I am not sure that it fully provides the information I am seeking as some of the assignments may only have started late in the year and hence would not show their total value. Could you provide for each purchase order listed on the spreadsheet, the total purchase order value rather than the invoiced value instead? If this is not possible could you provide the total invoiced value (irrespective of year end) for the assignments completed during the year to end of March 2008?

I should however like to test my understanding of your replies regarding the numbers of small to medium sized enterprises that are on the 14 framework contracts that I referred to in my FOI request. I am sure that this can be resolved with a minimum of effort based on the fact finding you have already completed so should not involve more than a few minutes work. As this is such a formal process, I thought it easiest to ask you to respond by confirming if the following statements are true and if false to correct them. A response to each statement would be appreciated. The statements I should like you to confirm are: 1. The 27 firms on the 14 frameworks that OGC Buying solutions state are small to medium sized enterprises (SMEs) had less than 250 staff at the time of their bidding for the contract 2. OGC Buying solutions do not know, without re-examining the firms’ response to the invitation to tender for the contracts, if any of these 27 firms exceeded £14million in turnover at the time of bidding for the contract 3. OGC Buying solutions do not monitor the size of firm in terms of the number of staff they employ during the contract period 4. OGC Buying solutions do not monitor the size of firm in terms of the level of turnover during the contract period 5. OGC Buying solutions do not know how many of the firms appointed to the 14 frameworks are currently SMEs at this point in time I can confirm that all statements are true but it is worth noting that the status of companies will change over time and that any statement we make about the number of SMEs is only valid at the time of award and that our process does not require us to monitor on an on-going basis.

Ref No: FOI0154

Information Requested: I am looking for some figures about the number of public sector users who use OGC Buying Solutions' frameworks and the services/products they purchase.

Do you have figures (relevant to ICT services/products) for: Number of public sector bodies using OGCbs frameworks? (i.e. customers, not suppliers) Value of products procured? Value of services procured? Any breakdown of values of products and services?

Do you have figures (relevant to ICT services/products) for: Number of public sector bodies using OGCbs frameworks? (ie customers, not suppliers)

Spend in this area is spread over approximately 9000 customer organisations covering all sectors including Utilities, NfP, Local Government, Health, Defence, Emergency, Education, Devolved Administrations & CCG.

Value of products procured?

* E Commerce - £2.5 million * GSi - £28 million * IT Frameworks - £1023 million * MoU Spend - £200 million * Mts - £46 million * Telecoms - £253.5 million

TOTAL - £1553 million

Value of services procured?

ICT Consultancy spend across all of the aforementioned sectors comes in at approximately £50 million across approximately 200 customer organisations. This figure is separate to the £1553 million.

Any breakdown of values of products and services?

Please see above.

NB - Figures relate to FY2007/08.

Ref No: FOI0155

Format: Letter 9 July 2008

Information Requested: A copy of one of the selected tenders with any financial elements of the tender suitably blacked out. ( Estates Professional Services)

Response provided: OGCbuying.solutions considers that the tenders received from the bidders for the framework agreement to be of a commercially sensitive nature to both the bidders themselves and to OGCbuying.solutions, and were submitted under circumstances that may have given rise to a duty of confidence. OGCbuying.solutions is declining to disclose the information as we consider that the disclosure, at this time, of the Invitation to Tender submissions provided by other bidders falls within the scope of the “information provided in confidence” and “commercial interests” exemptions included in sections 41 and 43 of the Freedom of Information Act 2000.

Disclosure, at this time, may constitute an actionable breach of confidence and prejudice the commercial interests of the providers of the information, OGCbuying.solutions and its stakeholders. OGCbuying.solutions’ ability to achieve value for money in the future may also be prejudiced.

During the Bidders Conference for the framework agreement, OGCbuying.solutions highlighted that tenderers should consider the quality rather than the quantity of their submission, therefore no word count for responses was set. This enabled tenderers to determine themselves which information regarding their services was most appropriate for the bid. All bidders were given the same instruction at the same time in order to ensure equality of treatment and transparency.

I would like to highlight that in line with EU Procurement Regulations, the pre- qualification process and tender process are two distinctly separate stages within the procurement cycle. The first stage determines which suppliers should be invited to tender, and the second stage determines which suppliers should be awarded the framework agreement. OGCbuying.solutions is therefore not able to consider information submitted at pre-qualification stage during the subsequent tender stage. Ref No: FOI0156

Information Requested: I would be obliged if you could sent me the past information and all documents associated with A217832/L1 and / L5 and 10C.

In particular the contract outline, the process invoiced, time periods and the terms currently in place.

I would be obliged if you could sent me the past information and all documents associated with A217832/L1 and / L5 and 10C.

In particular the contract outline, the process invoiced, time periods and the terms currently in place.

Framework A217832 Specialist Contractors (L1 and / L5)

The Specialist Contractors advertisement was for a four-year framework which was let under the provisions of the Public Contracts Regulation 2006; an OJEU advertisement using the restricted procedure was placed on the 31st January 2005 under reference no. 2005S-28-027275. Expressions of interest were received on 7th March 2005. On the 26th September 2005 potential service providers were invited to tender and these were received on the 7th November 2005. The bids were not evaluated using AWARD evaluation tool and frameworks were let on the 25th January 2006.

The existing terms and conditions will bear little relation to those governing the next competition in the light of recent legislation [Disability, Discrimination Act 2006 and the Work Time Regulations] and the recent decision in the European Court [Lianakis 01 May 2008] have fundamentally altered the tender process.

Please note the ITT questions relating to the above which may provide assistance are attached.

In respect of Recruitment Services S-CAT 10c – this competition was conducted under the Supplies and Services Directive 1979 [in 2003] and provided “standing-offers” – these are even further removed from the current Regulations. I can find no record of the pre-qualifying questionnaire.

It is likely that providing these terms and conditions (T&C) will offer little insight to any forthcoming competition, however the relevant T&C are attached. Schedule 00 an 01 are the framework agreement between the Service Provider and OGCbuying.solutions and Schedules 02-00 to 02-10 constitute the Model contract between the Service Provider and the Customer.

Ref No: FOI0157

Format: Email 1 August 2008

Information Requested: I would like details of the Government Procurement Card scheme.

I would like a list of all the individuals and organisations (if generic) registered to use these cards.

Response provided: Consideration has been given to your request and for convenience this reply follows the order of your email.

I would like details of the Government Procurement Card scheme.

Please refer to the OGCbuying.solutions website: http://online.ogcbuyingsolutions.gov.uk/bcm/paymentsolutions/GovernmentProcurement Card/

I would like a list of all the individuals and organisations (if generic) registered to use these cards.

Please find attached spreadsheet containing customer organisations currently registered to use GPC. OGCbuying.solutions considers that the names of individual card holders to be of a commercially sensitive nature to both the holders themselves and to OGCbuying.solutions, and were submitted under circumstances that may have given rise to a duty of confidence. OGCbuying.solutions is declining to disclose the information as we consider that the disclosure, at this time, falls within the scope of the “information provided in confidence” and “commercial interests” exemptions included in sections 41 and 43 of the Freedom of Information Act 2000. Ref No: FOI0158

Information Requested: I have made a freedom of information request to the Scottish Government, their response was that they do not hold the information I require and that I should contact you.

Under the Freedom of information act I wish to request copies of the tender documents for the supply of Car and Van hire to the Scottish Government. I would be interested in the most recent submissions you have over the last 5 years as I understand that the contract may run for some time.

Response provided: Consideration has been given to your request and our response is below:

Further to your request for information related to the procurement of Vehicle Hire on behalf of Scottish Government, I thought it would be helpful in the first instance to explain OGCbuying.solutions’ role within government and why the question has been referred to us for reply.

OGCbuying.solutions is an Executive Agency of HM Treasury with Trading Fund Status. The agency’s role is to assist the Office of Government Commerce (OGC) in delivering value for money gains for central government and the wider public sector. Our prime objective is to deliver savings for the nation, and to provide added value to the public sector procurement community.

As part of the work on the reform of public procurement of business travel, OGCbuying.solutions has continued to look at ways to enhance the strategic management of major supply markets, in a way that delivers incremental savings through cross government opportunities. It is acknowledged that this will undoubtedly be achieved through improved aggregation of common demand and by government departments working much closer together on major procurements.

In June 2006, OGCbuying.solutions as contracting authority, established a pan government framework across five Travel Lots; Vehicle Hire was just one of the categories. Like many other government departments Scottish Government took the decision to source their Vehicle Hire requirements from the framework agreement established by OGCbuying.solutions for and on behalf of its UK public sector customers. The procurement was concluded under public procurement rules and is therefore compliant with EU legislation. Further details relevant to the Travel category including the Vehicle Hire framework agreements can be found on OGCbuying.solutions web site www.ogcbuyingsolutions.gov.uk

In response to your request for specific information related to the Vehicle Hire tender, OGCbuying.solutions considers that the tenders received from the bidders for the framework agreement to be of a commercially sensitive nature to both the bidders themselves and to OGCbuying.solutions, and were submitted under circumstances that may have given rise to a duty of confidence. OGCbuying.solutions is declining to disclose the information as we consider that the disclosure, at this time, of the Invitation to Tender submissions provided by the bidders falls within the scope of the “information provided in confidence” and “commercial interests” exemptions included in sections 41 and 43 of the Freedom of Information Act 2000.

Disclosure, at this point in time, may constitute an actionable breach of confidence and prejudice the commercial interests of the providers of the information, OGCbuying.solutions and its stakeholders. OGCbuying.solutions’ ability to achieve value for money in the future may also be prejudiced.

I hope you appreciate our position in this matter and the need to protect the commercial confidentiality of offers made by prospective bidders for OGCbuying.solutions framework agreements. Whilst we cannot release any completed tender documentation, I have however attached a copy of the blank tender template used during this procurement exercise.

By way of additional information you may find it helpful to understand that the current OGCbuying.solutions Vehicle Hire framework agreements are due to expire on 1 June 2010, meanwhile our Travel Team are currently engaged in establishing the procurement strategy for the replacement arrangements which will follow. It is anticipated that details of which will be posted through Official Journal of the European Union (OJEU) around November 2008, details can be found on: www.tendersdirect.co.uk/TED

Ref No: FOI0159

Format: Emails 4 August 2008 and 12 August 2008

Information Requested: I would like to make a freedom of information request. Please could you send me the following contacts:  Chief Executive/Managing Director  Head of Finance  Head of IT (Information Technology)  Head of Procurement/Purchasing)  Head of Human Resources  Head of Estates (Buildings, property)

Please could you send me their contact name, contact numbers and direct email address?

Response provided: Consideration has been given to your request; please find our response below:

We are able to disclose some of the information you requested - the name of our Chief Executive is Alison Littley. This information is already available from our corporate website: http://www.ogcbuyingsolutions.gov.uk/about/about_structure_board.asp

However, we regard the other contact names, contact numbers, and direct email addresses as falling under Exemption 40 of the Act - Personal Information. All contact with OGCbuying.solutions should, initially, be directed through our Customer Service Desk: 0845 410 2222 or email [email protected]

In our response to your initial request on 05 August 2008, we explained that we cannot provide direct email addresses as these fall under Exemption 40 of the Act – Personal Information.

All contact with OGCbuying.solutions should, initially, be directed through our Customer Service Desk: 0845 410 2222 or email [email protected].

Ref No: FOI0160

Information Requested: I am currently researching this large transation made by the London Borough of Barnet with yourselves. The details are here http://committeepapers.barnet.gov.uk/democracy/reports/reportdetail.asp? ReportID=7140

Can you please disclose to me and / or send a list of information and documents you hold on this transaction so that I may know what I can request. To include, but not limited to, purchase orders, prices, invoices etc.

Response provided: OGCbuying.solutions does not hold any documents referring to this procurement, at this time.

Ref No: FOI0161

Information Requested: I’m doing some work on behalf of AAC Systems, a specialist scanning solutions provider. We’re interested in exploring how we can work with Catalist in the future. To help us in our planning we would appreciate a little information about the Specialist Solutions – EDRM solutions, Framework Agreement A217837/L11 category.

Within the category, we’re interested in understanding:

1. the number of opportunities that have been advertised over its life and separately over the last 12 months

2. the number of contracts that have been placed over its life and separately over the last 12 months

3. how many customers have placed orders over its life and separately over the last 12 months

4. how many suppliers have been awarded contracts over its life and separately over the last 12 months

5. how many contracts has each of the suppliers within the category won over its life and separately over the last 12 months

6. the average value of the contracts placed

7. who has placed a contract under this category

8. Could you also confirm the status of the category at the moment, i.e. when will the current category become unavailable for use by customers, when will it be re- competed and what process will be followed to refresh the list of suppliers at that point in time.

1. 53 ITQ’s (Invitation to Quote) have been posted in the last 12 months and a total of 87 ITQ’s have been posted to date for Lot 11.

2. From the Management information received from our service providers in Lot 11 we can confirm that 19 orders have been placed in the last 12 months and a total of 41 orders have been placed to date.

3. From the Management information received from our service providers in Lot 11 we can confirm that 15 customers have placed orders in the last 12 months and a total of 29 customers have placed orders to date.

4. A total of 6 suppliers have invoiced for contracts in the last 12 months with a total of 7 suppliers invoiced to date.

5. The total number of orders placed in Lot 11 to date is 41. . 6. From the order totals declared by the service providers the average value of orders placed is £ 160,871 (£6.6m / 41 orders)

7. Please see the attached spreadsheet which provides a breakdown of activity by customer sector.

8. The Specialist Solutions Framework Agreement A2 expires 1st October 2009. The replacement offering will be advertised in accordance with OJEU procurement procedures later this year.

Ref No: FOI0162

1. What defines a Catalist tender? On the OJEU and TED websites there are many tenders – how is a Catalist tender distinguished from the rest? 2. Who makes the decision that a tender falls under Catalist? 3. Can a tender become a Catalist tender part way through? Can OGC make the decision to have it fall under Catalist? 4. Are local and central government covered in Catalist? 5. What is the criteria used (points or checklist?) to get onto Catalist/the invitation to tender? 6. How many potential suppliers are typically on a framework? 7. When suppliers submit a list of their services and their fees – is this set or will it be reviewed periodically? 8. What happens in an area such as technology which is constantly evolving? If a framework agreement lasts 3-4 years or more – how do they adjust for innovation and potential cost-savings 9. What is the criteria used to get an invitation to bid? How does Catalist narrow down the list of suppliers to an invite list and then further to a list on the framework? 10. Is it possible to get a copy of the registration form to see what the questions are? 11. Are exclusive frameworks regularly used? 12. Do frameworks ever get re-tendered before their expiration date? 13. Is a supplier more likely to be placed on a framework if they have previously successfully been placed on a framework list? 14. Is there an intention to review the Catalist process to open it up to a wider group of suppliers?

Response provided: Consideration has been given to your request and for convenience; this reply follows the order of your email. 1. ‘Catalist’ is an OGCbuying.solutions brand applied to a number of our framework agreements which cover a broad range of products and services. More details may be viewed on our website http://online.ogcbuyingsolutions.gov.uk 2. The overwhelming majority of the competitions conducted by OGCbuying.solutions will be for framework agreements which will be subsequently marketed under the Catalist brand. The range of products and services provided by OGCbuying.solutions is ultimately decided by our Executive Board. More details may be viewed on our website http://online.ogcbuyingsolutions.gov.uk 3. OGCbuying.solutions will know from the commencement of a competition whether or not the resulting framework agreement will be marketed under the Catalist brand. 4. All UK public sector bodies including local and central government may use the framework agreements marketed under the Catalist brand. 5. The selection and award criteria will vary depending upon the subject matter of the individual framework agreement. 6. The number of suppliers appointed will vary depending upon the subject matter of the individual framework agreement, the competitiveness of the supply market and customer requirements. Some framework agreements may have a single supplier appointed while others may have approximately 50-60 suppliers. 7. The terms of our framework agreements generally includes a provision that allow for variations to be made to the services and prices during the lifetime of the framework agreement. 8. OGCbuying.solutions’ framework agreements incorporate sufficient flexibility that allow for product and service developments to be introduced throughout the duration of the agreements. 9. The selection and award criteria will vary depending upon the subject matter of the individual framework agreement. OGCbuying.solutions generally uses the restricted procedure as defined by the Public Contracts Regulations 2006 which permits the selection of suitably qualified suppliers to be invited to tender. Following the evaluation of tenders OGCbuying.solutions will appoint one or more suppliers to the framework agreement based on best value for money criteria. 10. Please find attached a copy of a model pre-qualification questionnaire similar to that used by OGCbuying.solutions. 11. If “exclusive” is taken to mean the appointment of a single supplier to a framework agreement then it is only rarely that OGCbuying.solutions will establish such an agreement. 12. Where a decision has been taken to replace a framework agreement the replacement framework agreement will be established and available for use prior to the expiry date of the existing agreement. 13. Under the public procurement rules OGCbuying.solutions must treat all potential suppliers fairly and equally irrespective of whether they have previously supplied public bodies. 14. The overwhelming majority of competitions conducted by OGCbuying.solutions will be advertised in the Official Journal of the European Union http://ted.europa.eu/ and will be open to potential suppliers based in the member states of the European Union and other countries. Ref No: FOI0163

Format: Emails 15 August 2008 and 31 August 2008

Information Requested: What have been the overall collective turnover (£ ;) figures for the past three years for all products and services within OGC Buying Solutions frameworks?

 Annual turnover for all OGCbuying.solutions framework agreements for the financial year 07/08 = X million  Annual turnover for all OGCbuying.solutions framework agreements for the financial year 06/07 = X million  Annual turnover for all OGCbuying.solutions framework agreements for the financial year 05/06 = X million

Response provided:

What have been the overall collective turnover (£ ;) figures for the past three years for all products and services within OGC Buying Solutions frameworks?

The aggregated turnover, as per our audited accounts, for the past three financial years is £95,711,707. This is the turnover is in relation to all of OGCbuying.solutions’ framework agreements.

 Annual turnover for all OGCbuying.solutions framework agreements for the financial year 07/08 = £29,400,623

 Annual turnover for all OGCbuying.solutions framework agreements for the financial year 06/07 = £32,267,623

 Annual turnover for all OGCbuying.solutions framework agreements for the financial year 05/06 = £34,043,461 Ref No: FOI0164

Please would you provide a list of customer departments, and spend per customer department, using the S-Cat 10c Framework Agreement (HR Recruitment Services) for the following financial years:

2004-05 2005-06 2006-07 2007-08 (if available)

Any other usage profiling information you have relating to this framework would also be very gratefully received.

Ref No: FOI0165

PFI Project: MTS - Telecoms Service – Communications

Please could you provide me with the following figures for the PFI project named above:

1. The legal spend for the following projects (by legal spend I mean the amount of money paid to the external law firm advising on the project) 2. The capital value of the project (the overall total cost of the project) Response provided: Consideration has been given to your request and for convenience this reply follows the order of your email.

1. The project to establish the Managed Telephone Service (MTS) was undertaken by the Central Computer Telephone Agency (CCTA), one of the predecessor organisations to OGC Buying Solutions, between 1994 and 1996, using Bird and Bird Solicitors. Unfortunately CCTA records for that period are no longer available. All legal requirements subsequently, such as Contract Change Notices, have been undertaken by in-house staff. 2. The total cost of the project to establish MTS is also not known, due to the CCTA records for that period being no longer available.

Ref No: FOI0166

Format: Email 16 September 2008

Information Requested: What I’m looking for, if available, is a list of the top 5/top 10 OGC performing frameworks/contracts in terms of value going through and/or savings achieved as a result.

Ref No FOI0167

Information Requested: Please can you advise if you can provide the following information on Steria Ltd: -

1. Customers who have used Steria through OGC Buying Solutions (predominantly Police customers) 2. Which frameworks were used 3. Total annual spend with Steria through the frameworks

Information Requested: I am interested in total contracts advertised (estimated value GBP) and total contracts let (estimated value GBP) for the last financial year broken down by all categories. I do not require any other information or granularity

I am interested in total contracts advertised (estimated value GBP) and total contracts let (estimated value GBP) for the last financial year broken down by all categories. I do not require any other information or granularity.

The value of the total contracts advertised in the last financial year was £2788600000 (estimated value) and the value of the total contracts let in the last financial year was £2078800000 (estimated value). We are unable to breakdown the figures.

Ref No: FOI0169

Format: Email 2 October 2008

Information Requested: I was wondering whether you could provide me with some stats in relation to the current ICT Consultancy Catalist framework.

In particular, I am looking for:

- Number of opportunities advertised on the framework / numbers procured via the framework - Value of opportunities advertised on the framework

If possible, could this be broken by the eight categories? Could it also be broken down by client sector (local government, central government etc).

Format: Emails 15 August 2008 and 7 October 2008

Information Requested: Further to the information below which you sent, I e-mailed back asking if you could also let me know how many businesses submitted PQQs but were not invited to negotiate, and whether any of these businesses were based within the EU but outside the UK.

I've since also left you a telephone message about this but have not heard back from you. I would be grateful if you can let me know whether there were any businesses who submitted PQQs but were not invited to negotiate, and whether any of these businesses were based within the EU but outside the UK.

Twenty-five (25) businesses submitted a pre qualification questionnaire (PQQ) as part of the procurement of the Zanzibar service in June 2004. Following the evaluation of the PQQ responses seventeen (17) businesses were excluded. Eight (8) businesses were invited to negotiate (the names of which were disclosed on 19th August 2008).

In terms of where each of the businesses who submitted a PQQ but were not invited to negotiate were based OGCbuying.solutions can confirm that they hold information on file relating to thirteen (13) businesses, of these two (2) were based within the EU but outside the UK.

Ref No: FOI0171

Format: Web enquiry 14 October 2008

Information Requested: I would like to find out how much the UK government spends on ICT products & services. If you can direct me to some on-line resources I would be most grateful. I am particularly interested in spend on: Wide Area Networks Microwave Networks Telecommunication networks. Response provided: Clarification email issued 14 October 2008. No response received so FOI request closed.

Ref No: FOI0172

Information Requested: Under the Freedom of Information Act please provide the following information:

1. Please provide a list of local government and central government plus other agencies & public bodies (please also attached a main reception switch board telephone number for each body/agency) that currently hold GPC cards.

2. Please provide a list of local government and central government plus other agencies & public bodies (please also attached a main reception switch board telephone number for each body/agency) that do not currently hold GPC cards.

Under the Freedom of Information Act please provide the following information:

1. Please provide a list of local government and central government plus other agencies & public bodies (please also attached a main reception switch board telephone number for each body/agency) that currently hold GPC cards.

Please see attached Excel spreadsheet giving details of the customer departments who are currently accessing the GPC Framework Agreement. OGCbuying.solutions does not hold information in relation to the contact details of the individual customer switchboards.

2. Please provide a list of local government and central government plus other agencies & public bodies (please also attached a main reception switch board telephone number for each body/agency) that do not currently hold GPC cards.

This information is not held by OGCbuying.solutions. Ref No: FOI0173

Information Requested

Under the Freedom of Information Act please provide the following information:

1. Please provide a list of local government and central government plus other agencies & public bodies that hold GPC cards.

2. For those local government & central government bodies/agencies that have not adopted the GPC card scheme is there a deadline by which they must utilise the GPC scheme?

3. From the above list (point 1) can you also list for each body/agency what back-office software solution (i.e. to manage & allocate GPC transactions) that they currently employ. NB – if it is not possible to provide the individual name of the software/software provider please list for each body/agency whether they are employing an internal “e- solution” application or whether an external third party solution is being used.

4. If possible, in addition to the above, it would assist to know with which bank the card is issued and the number of cards out to each department?

Response provided: Consideration has been given to your request and for convenience this reply follows the order of your email. Under the Freedom of Information Act please provide the following information:

1. Please provide a list of local government and central government plus other agencies & public bodies that hold GPC cards. Please see attached Excel spreadsheet giving details of the customer departments who are currently accessing the GPC Framework Agreement.

2. For those local government & central government bodies/agencies that have not adopted the GPC card scheme is there a deadline by which they must utilise the GPC scheme? There is no deadline for customer departments to implement a GPC scheme.

3. From the above list (point 1) can you also list for each body/agency what back-office software solution (i.e. to manage & allocate GPC transactions) that they currently employ. NB – if it is not possible to provide the individual name of the software/software provider please list for each body/agency whether they are employing an internal “e- solution” application or whether an external third party solution is being used. This information is not held by OGCbuying.solutions.

4. If possible, in addition to the above, it would assist to know with which bank the card is issued and the number of cards out to each department? OGCbuying.solutions is declining to disclose the information as we consider that the disclosure, at this time, falls within the scope of the “information provided in confidence” and “commercial interests” exemptions included in sections 41 and 43 of the Freedom of Information Act 2000

Ref No: FOI0174

Information Requested: Please could you tell me what organisations have used the framework ‘Property & Facilities Management Services’ (Framework Agreement Code: A206100, UNSPSC Code: 81141800) since its inception (01/01/2006) and, what suppliers were used?

Response provided: Consideration has been given to your request. Please find below a list of the customers who have used the framework agreement to date and the supplier they appointed.

Carillion:

 Department for International Development

 Department for Trade & Industry

 ESTYN: HM Inspectorate for Education and Training in Wales

 Forensic Science Service

 Northamptonshire County Council

 Scottish Agricultural Science Agency

 Serious Fraud Office

 Hertfordshire Partnerships NHS Trust

 West Hertfordshire Primary Care Trust

DTZ:  City of York Council

 Crown Prosecution Service

 Department for Children Schools & Families

 Department for Communities and Local Government

 Dr E J C Parker & Partners

 Foreign & Commonwealth Office

 Medical Research Council

 National Probation Service

 North East Lincolnshire Council

 Registers of Scotland

 Royal Mail Group

 Scottish Government

 Scottish Natural Heritage

 Scottish Police Information Strategy

 Scottish Power Plc

 Scottish Prison Service

 Scottish Public Pensions Agency

 Scottish Public Services Ombudsman

 Scottish Road Safety Campaign

 Scottish Screen

 Stoke-On-Trent City Council

MITIE Managed Services Ltd:

 Audit Commission  Cleveland Fire Brigade

 Cliff Park High School

 Crown Office & Procurator Fiscal Service

 Government Actuary's Department

 Government Office for the North West

 Government Office for the West Midlands

 Grace Academy

 Historic Scotland

 London Borough of Ealing

 Museum Of London

 National Assembly for Wales

 Office of Government Commerce

 The Big Lottery Fund

 The Cathedral Centre

OPERON:

 Airedale NHS Trust

 Commission for Social Care Inspection

 Healthcare Commission

 London Agency Project

 London Development Agency

 University of Essex

Taylor Woodrow Construction Ltd  Government Office Network

 Planning Inspectorate

 Royal Parks Agency

Ref No: FOI0175

Information Requested: Please could you send me a copy of the GCSX Code of Connection (an uncompleted version of the form) together with any guidance notes?

Response provided: Consideration has been given to your request.

As you may be aware CESG (part of GCHQ) developed, supplied and continue to administer the GSCX Code of Connection for other government bodies. The GCsX Code of Connection therefore is subject to an absolute exemption from the duty to disclose, as it "was directly or indirectly supplied to the public authority by, or relates to" a relevant body, which includes GCHQ (section 23(1) Freedom of Information Act 2000 "FOI").

Accordingly, given the sensitive nature of the GCSx Code of Connection we are unable to comply with your request for disclosure.

Ref No: FOI0176

Format: Email 7 November 2008

Information Requested: Having worked in the Public Health Industry and Local Government for many years, l was pleasantly surprised to come across your website of recent. After a quick investigation, l was wondering if you could explain the difference between Catalist and Zanzibar It would seem that Catalist is an on line catalogue whereas Zanzibar is the e- Procurement application to conduct transactions? Would also be interested to know approximately how many buyers you have using the service and from which sectors they are from. What l have seen so far looks terrific, keep up the good work. ! Response provided: Consideration has been given to your request and I would like to thank you on behalf of OGCbuying.solutions for taking the time to write to us to share your feedback following your recent visit to our website; I am delighted that you were so impressed by our website.

Catalist (www.online.ogcbuyingsolutions.gov.uk) is an umbrella brand name for all our framework agreements. These are represented on our online catalogue which customers can use to browse, select and order products and services from OGCbuying.solutions suppliers and pay via an invoice or GPC (Government Procurement Card).

Zanzibar is an innovative web-enabled Purchase to Pay (P2P) system and eMarketplace available to all public sector organisations in England, Wales and Northern Ireland and is a key part of the Government's procurement strategy. Zanzibar is an innovative system which enables public sector buyers and their suppliers to link up over the internet and transact end-to-end requisitions, orders and invoices. The Zanzibar system has five core elements:

1. A public sector marketplace - with hosted catalogues and the ability to 'punch out' to external suppliers. 2. An optional P2P system which allows access to an e-marketplace, via a web browser, the sending of orders and the receipting of invoices. 3. A data warehouse - with secure access to information about all Zanzibar transactional activity. 4. A supplier portal - enabling single point access for suppliers. 5. Integration facilities - allowing buyers and suppliers to integrate existing eProcurement, finance and sales order systems with Zanzibar.

Further information about Zanzibar is available on the OGCbuying.solutions website: http://online.ogcbuyingsolutions.gov.uk/bcm/eCommerce/Zanzibar

There are approximately 19,785 ‘buyers’ (i.e. users) registered on Zanzibar; these can be broken down by sector as follows:

Civil Central Government – 15,030; Education - 4,550; Devolved Administrations - 140; Health – 65.

Ref No: FOI0177

Format: Web enquiry 13 November 2008

Information Requested: I am writing to obtain information about the staff and spending dedicated to communications at OGC Buying Solutions in the financial years 2006-07 and 2007-08. To outline my query as clearly as possible, I am requesting:

1. A total for the number of employees working in ‘communications’, for the financial years 2006-07 and 2007-08. This total should include – but not be limited to – all those whose responsibilities directly entail communication work (i.e. press officers, public liaison officers, external relations) plus all auxiliary staff dedicated to supporting the ‘communication’ team.

2. A total for money spent on communications related work (including – but not limited to – salaries and benefits paid to the relevant employees listed above, cost of promotional materials, press launches, etc) in the financial years 2006-07 and 2007-08

Response provided: Consideration has been given to your request. The Government Communications Network (GCN) defines Government communicators and communications as: “informing the public about their rights and responsibilities, helping people to access government services, understand government policy and keep up to date about important issues.”

OGCbuying.solutions does not advertise or in any other way target communications direct to the citizen, publicising our procurement services only to our customers who belong to central Government and the wider public sector procurement community. Therefore OGCbuying.solutions employs no staff and has incurred no expenditure in relation to communications.

Ref No: FOI0178

Format: Emails 26 November 2008 and 8 December 2008

Information Requested: Please could you please send me contact details of people within your organisation that is

 Head of Portfolio Project Management  Projects Managers- In the whole organisation

Please include their email addresses, direct contact numbers, job title and contact name.

Response provided: Consideration has been given to your request. OGCbuying.solutions does not have any posts with the job titles listed below so I cannot provide this information.

 Head of Portfolio Project Management  Projects Managers- In the whole organisation

Ref No: FOI0179

Format: Email 1 December 2009

Information Requested: Last year I remember receiving a spreadsheet of all the purchases that had gone through the Catalyst GIS category. I was looking on the website to see if I could download one for 2008 (to date). Is one available?