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<p>The final decision about which organisation will provide security officer services
from April 2015 has not yet been taken. Consequently, no procurement process for the
provision of the search and screening function at the three main public entrances
has begun and no date has been set. The parliamentary authorities continue to work
in partnership with the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) to agree and implement a
mutually acceptable outcome. In October, the Parliamentary Security Director, as Chair
of the Security Arrangements Renewal Programme (SARP) Board, will provide an update
to committees of both Houses on progress made in negotiations with the MPS over the
summer recess.</p><p>The SARP business case will not be disclosed at this stage for
commercial and security reasons. This is usual practice for such documents. A high-level
statement of Parliament’s requirements for security post-2015 was communicated to
MPS in February, since when it has been refined in discussion with MPS. A much more
detailed specification was sent to MPS in June. The parliamentary authorities are
now negotiating with the MPS about the scope of services the MPS will provide.</p><p>The
expected overall cost of the current contract with the MPS, which is due to expire
in March 2015, is £155,380,200. A breakdown of costs associated with the individual
parts of the service, including the search and screening function, cannot be provided,
on grounds of commercial sensitivity. No financial penalties have been incurred under
the current contract, which does not contain a break clause. The contract includes
an option to extend for a maximum period of two years if agreed by both parties.</p>
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