The bidder, a joint venture led by Korean company Miru Systems Co., Ltd., failed to provide English translations for its supporting documents, according to the Comelec.
Additionally, the bidder submitted an incomplete undertaking to enter into a joint venture with Filipino companies Integrated Computer Systems, St. Timothy Construction Corporation, and Centerpoint Solutions Technologies, Inc.
Miru Systems was the sole bidder during the opening of bids for the lease of the Full Automation System with Transparency Audit/Count (FASTrAC) project for the upcoming midterm polls, as confirmed by the Comelec.
The FASTrAC project encompasses the bidding for automated counting machines, ballots, canvassing, and other materials necessary for voting. It is important to note that there will be a separate bidding process for transmission and internet voting.
Due to the lone bidder’s ineligibility, the Comelec has declared a “first failure of competitive bidding” for the P18.827-billion contract. Comelec spokesperson, John Rex Laudiangco, explained that when a lone bidder is found to be ineligible, a mandatory review of bidding documents and terms of reference is conducted to identify any issues. Following this, the poll body will issue fresh terms of reference and initiate a second round of public bidding.
Laudiangco, who serves as the vice chairperson of the Special Bids and Awards Committee (SBAC), stated that the second round of bidding is likely to take place in January. He further mentioned that Miru Systems can participate in the second round and rectify the deficiencies in their documents.
Source: PhilNews24 | December 15, 2023
