The main thing against a 2 bidder solution, Jim, is cost. ...
Yes. However, the DfT is believed to have gone for other options to reduce risk levels that cost at least as much as these differences.
... a time when budgets are being cut again. ...
And when bankers and insurers are nervous and useless and making decisions that stifle enterprise and economic growth, perhaps endangering the efforts of others to advance commerce.
... I'm lead to believe that there's some sort of mechanism in the contact that allows the Govt to step in and run the service for a short time (using that contactors personnel and aircraft) in that situation, giving a continuity of service and allowing some time to rectify the situation.
Yes. Like Sweden.
... Should be no reason they can't do the same again in 10 bases for 13-17 years, ...
Four years of basic services at two bases for £106 million compared to 10/11 years of advanced services including the entire manpower supply issue, base location and construction, fuel depots and many more details costing what? £2bn plus or minus a few hundred million? You don't see this as a significant step up then? Even at a time when getting your ?anker behind you is no easy feat?