Track and Trace – Why is Serco in the Frame?

Serco was awarded a track and trace contract valued up to £400m, apparently without competition.

Actually, there was a competition – kind of. Serco competed for, and won a place on a government “framework” contract. In effect, it is a catalogue – enabling governments to call off goods and services, without the need for further competition. In this case, the contract was for call centre services, and awarded by the Crown Commercial Service.