asked the Minister for the Environment the criteria which is used, other than pricing, in the establishing of a combined purchasing scheme list for local authority purchases; if a firm (details supplied) has been allowed to make a full presentation of the quality and value of their product range to his Department; and if not, if such arrangements will be now made for consideration of the forthcoming contract period, 1 July to 31 December 1986.
Written Answers. - Combined Purchasing Scheme.
47.
The criteria, other than price, that are applied in making appointments as contractors under the combined purchasing scheme are:
—feasibility of inspecting the manufacture or production of goods during the period of appointment, pursuant to section 8 of Local Authorities (Combined Purchasing) Act, 1939;
—ability of applicant to maintain supplies and give a satisfactory service to local authorities;
—quality of goods offered and arrangements for control of quality during manufacture;
—delivery period.
When the firm in question applied in the past for appointment as official contractor under the combined purchasing scheme they were allowed to present any supporting information they wished. Applications were invited in the national press on 23 April 1986 for appointment as official contractor under the combined purchasing scheme for the period 1 July to 31 December 1986. The closing date for the receipt of applications was the 7 inst. but no application for appointment for that period has been received from the firm. I regret that an application may not now be considered for this period.