The Millennium Office has commissioned a book that will provide a permanent record of the millennium celebrations. It is intended that the book would recognise the enormous voluntary effort put in by people and organisations throughout the country in marking the millennium in appropriate and lasting ways. Contributions were received from many people who contributed to the celebrations. The national millennium committee is grateful for the contributions received from so many organisations and individuals.
Following a competitive tender, in November 2000, the Millennium Office commissioned an experienced firm, PC Associates, to design, manage, print and distribute the book. The budget was set at £70,000, €88,900. The contract was awarded based on a detailed quote from the company. The lowest tender was selected. As the project progressed, it became clear that the final product would be far more extensive than had been originally thought. For example, the initial estimate had been for a publication of 160 pages, but this has now risen to 280 pages. The increase in size is due to the volume of material provided for inclusion by individual project promoters, both locally and nationally.
In light of the increased size of the publication, there has been a corresponding increase in costs and delays in progressing the project. In order to speed up the completion process, the millennium press office, in February, took control of the final phase of the project in consultation with the designers. To date, payments totalling £72,152, €91,633, have been made to PC Associates. Payment has been made in six instalments between January 2001 and December 2001. In addition the millennium press office incurred additional costs of £945, €1,200, chiefly in respect of photographic expenses.
Final proofs are expected to be available this week and it is hoped that the book will be published shortly. Tenders have been sought from five printing companies for the printing of the book and four replies are currently being evaluated. It is not possible to state what the final costs for the printing will be, or the date for publication, as this is dependent upon negotiations with the tendering companies and costs are dependent upon time factors.
