2.16 During the competition, the bids were divided up between eleven evaluation teams which considered different aspects of the bids. The teams met regularly at Tender Evaluation Boards to co-ordinate the assessments and try to prevent duplication of work. Each stage of bid assessment resulted in requests for clarification from the bidders, which were dealt with through a single office of the Department's Procurement Executive in order to ensure consistency and relevance.
2.17 Bidders have commented that the splitting-up of bids resulted in some duplication of work. They felt that the timing of the consideration of the technical and commercial aspects of the evaluation were out of step, and this lack of co-ordination meant that unnecessary questions were asked. Bidders told us that these problems resulted in increased time and increased their costs. The Department say they used eleven evaluation teams operating in parallel because of the complex technical requirements of the project and this sped up the project.