The process for appointing an external team to carry out an independent costed appraisal of the approaches to the Restoration and Renewal of the Palace of Westminster progressed further today with the issue of the formal Invitation to Tender (ITT) to shortlisted bidders.

The procurement process began in May 2013 with the issue of a Contract Notice and Pre Qualification Questionnaire (PQQ) to potential bidders. Deadline for PQQ submissions, which enable the evaluation of a potential bidder’s eligibility using technical, financial and legal criteria, was 14 June 2013.

The standard of the applications received was high, with all tenderers demonstrating a good understanding of the requirements.

The successful bidder will be tasked with examining the costs, benefits, risks and general feasibility of three possible approaches to the restoration and renewal of the Palace, which are:

• continuing repairs and replacement of the fabric and systems of the Palace over an indefinite period of time
• a defined, rolling programme of more substantial repairs and replacement over a long period, but still working around continued use of the Palace
• scheduling the works over a more concentrated period with parliamentary activities moved elsewhere to allow unrestricted access to the Palace for the delivery of the works.

The contract is due to be awarded in December and the appraisal is expected to be completed in 2014.

The procurement process conforms to public procurement law (Public Contracts Regulations) and public sector procurement best practice.