July 1998

Comprehensive spending review

October 1998

First meeting of STEPS project board

March 1999

OJEC notice published

April 1999

Briefing day for contractors

June 1999

Longlist bidders announced

August 1999

ISOPs submitted

October 1999

Shortlist of 3 bidders (Mapeley STEPS, Trillium and Servus) announced

Jan 2000

Invitation to Negotiate (ITN) issued

April 2000

Bidders submit ITN

August 2000

Departments announce award of contract to Mapeley STEPS

March 2001

Contract signature

April 2001

Property transferred from Departments to Mapeley STEPS Limited

Nov 2001

Mapeley STEPS tells the Departments' project board that the company is in financial difficulties

June-July 2002

Letters of comfort sent to Mapeley STEPS' shareholders

Dec 2002

The Departments tell Treasury Select Committee that Mapeley STEPS' financial position has improved