merrion street

The Government has today published the terms of reference for the review being prepared by Mr. Peter Smyth, in relation to the procurement process for the National Broadband Plan.

Mr. Peter Smyth is an independent consultant contracted, following a tender, as Process Auditor in respect of the National Broadband Plan procurement process. (A copy of the detailed terms of reference for the NBP Process Auditor is attached.)

In that capacity, he is required to confirm that the appropriate guidelines and processes are followed in the procurement of the project.

Mr. Smyth has now been asked to prepare a report which will:
· take account of his ongoing work as Process Auditor, and his detailed knowledge of the procurement process to date;
· consider any implications for the procurement process of the meetings between the former Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment, and representatives of the remaining tendering consortium, and
· allow the Government to assess whether or not the integrity of the procurement process has been undermined by these meetings.

Mr. Smyth will be free, at his own discretion, to review all relevant documentation held by the Department and\or to seek written or oral inputs from any relevant parties.

He is not being asked, as part of this report, to consider any substantive issues relating to the bid submitted which is the subject of ongoing evaluation by the Department’s Evaluation Team.

He has been asked to submit his report to the Taoiseach and the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment within three weeks.

Notes to Editor:
A copy of the detailed terms of reference for the NBP Process Auditor is here.