Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask Her Majesty’s Government on which dates the bidding process for the contract to provide education at the proposed Secure College will be launched; and by which dates bids must be received.

The Ministry of Justice intends to launch the competition for the operational contract for the Secure College Pathfinder this year and education provision will form part of this overall contract. The Ministry of Justice expects potential providers to put forward innovative solutions that address the individual needs of the young people in the Secure College.

The timetable for the competition, which will determine dates for the tender period and contract award, is under consideration. The competition will ensure that sufficient time is allowed to enable potential providers to fully understand a new specification, the needs and complexities of these young people and the challenging environment in which they will be required to work. The timetable will be made available on the launch of competition.

Evaluation criteria against which bids will be assessed will be shared with bidders at the tender stage.