Capita wins Defence Fire and Rescue contract

The Minister of State, Ministry of Defence confirmed yesterday to Parliament that the Government will be awarding to Capita the Defence Fire and Rescue contract, putting end to a protracted process which involved a challenge by Serco, one of the other bidders. This is going to be a £525 million, 12 year long contract.

Serco ends up receiving a £10 million out-of-court settlement from the Government, showing that perhaps challenging a decision is worth a gamble even if it does not make it to the court. And, of course, as “lessons will be learned” the MOD accounting officer has appointed and independent review of this procurement process.