3.3 Mapeley STEPS first raised with the Estates and Contract Management Board (ECMB) the possibility that it was facing financial pressures in November 2001. The ECMB asked for more information to get a better understanding of the problem. Following the request, it gave a presentation to the Departments in December 2001. Mapeley STEPS believed it faced a serious cashflow problem, with an annual shortfall of some £27 million, based on errors in the pricing of its bid, variations made to the contract since contract signature and claims arising out of the procurement process. The presentation carried a request to the Departments for a one-off payment with an additional yearly contribution. The Departments rejected this proposal as they believed the contractor's claims were based on projected figures which were not robust and were open to challenge.