Vol. 541 No. 2
258 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for Defence if he will take into account the potential for sustaining jobs at a company (details supplied) when deciding on the purchase of helicopters for the Defence Forces, in view of the potential for conversion works to be carried out in Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21060/01]
The tender competition for the acquisition of medium lift helicopters for the Air Corps is progressing well. This major investment programme involves the acquisition of two medium lift helicopters, with an option of a third, for search and rescue purposes as well as an option for two medium lift helicopters for general purpose military transport.
Tenders were invited on 5 March 2001 and the closing date was 19 April 2001. Four tenders were received. The four companies involved are Sikorsky from the USA, EH Industries Ltd. from England, Eurocopter from France and CHC Scotia from Scotland.
The tenders received are being subjected to a comprehensive evaluation process which included visits to each of the four companies involved. This evaluation is being undertaken by a project team comprising officials from my Department and Air Corps personnel assisted by an outside consultant. The team's report will be examined by my Department to ensure policy and procedural compliance, after which negotiations will be entered into with a selected contractor.
The tender competition for the supply of the helicopters is being carried out under EU contracts procedures. The award of contract criteria set out in the tender documentation state that the contract will be awarded on the basis of the most strategically and economically advantageous tender applying the following award criteria, not necessarily in order of priority: (1) functional characteristics; (2) technical merit; (3) all maintenance and on-line technical support; (4) after sales service and warranty terms on offer; (5) cost and ready availability of spare parts; (6) tender prices; (7) life cycle costs over a nominal 20 year period. Other factors cannot be taken into account as part of the evaluation process.
