Strong interest in prison management contract

24 August

Three proposals have been received from experienced international prison companies competing to contract manage the Mt Eden/ Auckland Central Remand Prison says Corrections Deputy Chief Executive Sandi Beatie.

This follows the release of the Request for Proposals (RFP) by the Department of Corrections in May this year.

Ms Beatie says the process has attracted strong interest from prison management companies currently operating in the southern hemisphere.

“The proposals received from the shortlisted companies will now undergo a rigorous evaluation process by expert Corrections staff and commercial advisers. We will also be carrying out reference checks and visiting prisons they manage.”

Strict processes are in place to ensure a fair, open and transparent process, which is being monitored by independent auditors.

“Public safety is our key consideration so we are looking for an experienced company with a sound track record, who can perform as well as, if not better than current standards.

“We are also challenging these companies to help us raise the bar by introducing innovation. We will work together to cut reoffending and reduce the high number of Mâori in our prisons,” says Ms Beatie.

The Department expects the successful contractor will be known by the end of January next year.

Notes for editor:

• Proposals have been received from G4S, GEO, and Serco.

• Kalyx, one of the shortlisted companies, withdrew from the process last month following a strategic decision by its French parent company, Sodexo, to not pursue business opportunities in the Australian and New Zealand markets.

ENDS

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