Insight relating to the Arctic Connections Policy Framework: FOI release

Information requested

Details of the total cost to the Scottish Government associated with the study undertaken by GC Insight relating to the Arctic Connections Policy Framework. Specifically, you requested the following:

1. The total value of any contract(s) awarded to GC Insight in relation to this work.
2. A breakdown of costs, including (where available): a) External consultancy fees b) Any additional expenses or disbursements claimed
3. Copies of any contracts, statements of work, or commissioning documents relating to this study.
4. Details of any internal Scottish Government costs associated with the project, where these are recorded (for example, staff time, project management, or analytical support).
5. The procurement route used (e.g. direct award, framework, or competitive tender), including any tender documentation or evaluation summaries if applicable.

Response

I am able to provide some of the information you requested and will answer the request in the numerical order as detailed above:

1. The total cost of the contract awarded to GC Insight Ltd was £20,912.50 (excl. VAT).
2. In relation to a breakdown of costs, while our aim is to provide information whenever possible, in this instance we were unable to provide the information you have requested because of exemptions under FOISA Section 33(1)(b) – Substantial prejudice to commercial interests.
3. I enclose copies of the information you requested in a separate attachment. This takes the form of 4 separate documents – 1) the order form used to advertise the contract, 2) the contract award letter, 3) a contract amendment letter, 4) a final contract amendment letter.
4. While our aim is to provide information wherever possible, in this instance and under section 17(1) Information not held of FOISA, the Scottish Government does not have the information you requested in relation to internal Scottish Government costs associated with this project. This is because we have not recorded staff time associated with project management or analytical support. We can advise that the cost of the publication on the SG website via APS was £1,274.95 excluding VAT.
5. This evaluation was procured through Lot 2 (Evaluation) of the Scottish Government’s Social Research Framework.

While our aim is to provide information whenever possible, in this instance we are unable to provide some of the information you have requested because an exemption(s) under section(s) s.33(1)(b) (prejudice commercial interests) and s.38(1)(b) (personal information)] of FOISA applies to that information. The reasons why these exemption(s) apply are explained below.

s. 33(1)(b) – (Substantial prejudice to commercial interests)

An exemption under section 33(1)(b) of FOISA applies to some of the information requested because it contains information that is specific and sensitive to the suppliers operations. This exemption is subject to the public interest test. Therefore, taking account of all the circumstances of this case, we have considered if the public interest in disclosing the information outweighs the public interest in applying the exemption. We have found that, on balance, the public interest lies in favour of upholding the exemption. We recognise that there is a public interest in disclosing information as part of open, transparent and accountable government. However, this is outweighed by the public interest related to the risk to commercial interests of a third party. Release could undermine the organisation’s competitive position by revealing commercially sensitive details and subvert the governments ability to do similar business in a fair way.

s.38(1)(b) (personal information relating to third party)

An exemption under section 38(1)(b) of FOISA applies to some of the information requested because it is personal data of a third party, i.e. names and contact details of individuals, and disclosing it would contravene the data protection principles in Article 5(1) of the General Data Protection Regulation and in section 34(1) of the Data Protection Act 2018. This exemption is not subject to the 'public interest test', so we are not required to consider if the public interest in disclosing the information outweighs the public interest in applying the exemption

About FOI

The Scottish Government is committed to publishing all information released in response to Freedom of Information requests. View all FOI responses at https://www.gov.scot/foi-responses.

FOI 202600512851 - Information Released - Annex

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