Q. Will the proposed review of current cases cover every case?
A. Yes. We will provide each Agent with a list of their cases. It is anticipated that the more recent cases should require less detailed replies.
Q. How will BROs be funded?
A. Following acceptance of the submission the Public Purse will fund the BRO.
Q. How does the procurement team plan to gain an understanding of the work Agents carry out, particularly in more complex cases?
A. AiB is aware in general terms of the practices followed by Agents and will also draw on the experience of AiB case managers. We will also draw on the exchange of information provided at the Workshops. The Delegate Pack included a questionnaire which invited Agents to note any improvements, efficiencies or offer any other comments.
Q. Whilst recognising that procurement rules may impact on contact with potential suppliers would it not be possible to consult with (say) 5 IP's as only (say) 3 are going to be awarded a contract.
A. It is important that we emphasise that no decision has yet been taken as to the likely number of suppliers - which is why the presentation did not refer to numbers. We have to ensure that procurement rules are followed, however as indicated there are other ways for the procurement team to obtain the required understanding.
Q. Who is going to be on the Contract Award Panel and when is a decision expected to be announced?
A. The Panel membership has yet to be agreed however it is expected that it will be formed by representatives of the Accountant in Bankruptcy. If they do not feel they have the sufficient knowledge and expertise to make decisions then the panel can have additional expertise added. The contract timeline has yet to be finalised however we anticipate request for tenders being issued in June/July.
Q. Would it not have been better to have completed the proposed review of current cases prior to the new contract being awarded?
A. As part of their assessment the Panel will wish to satisfy themselves that potential suppliers under the new contract can deliver on quality. Performance indicators will of course require to cover those who currently act as Agents and those who do not.
Q. Some IP's think that the Agents' contract will go down the same path as the Legal Services contract and will be awarded to 2 firms. Also concerns that that they will have to be MIDAS compliant etc which may incur costs all without any clear information as to the volume of cases likely to be outsourced.
A. As previously stated no decision has been reached on the likely number of suppliers and there is no reason to link the Legal Services contract with contracted insolvency services. Initially some 12 firms were used under the Legal Services contract before eventually decreasing to 2 firms. It has proven to be extremely valuable with savings to the public purse. There has been the odd 'blip' but we are content with the service being provided. If anyone has factual evidence that the quality of the service is less than satisfactory they should let us know. As to the volume that will be outsourced, we are not anticipating much change to the 38% of cases being managed by AiB, however the effect of LILA is yet to be shown.
Q. Has it been decided that AiB will keep all Debtor's petitions.
A. In deciding how to move forward the Accountant needs to be assured that value for money is being obtained. The contract will be as flexible as possible to ensure that aim. AiB could do all creditors cases in house or we could outsource all debtor cases or somewhere on between. We are aware of a changing market and that we changed it by bringing in LILA.