By Ferdinand G. Patinio
MANILA, Aug. 8 (PNA) — The Commission on Elections (Comelec) Special Bids and Awards Committee (SBAC) 2 has denied the motion for reconsideration filed by the joint venture of Demarlog Identifications Systems, Avante International and Stone of David Tactical Eqipment, the sole bidder in the refurbishment of the more than 80,000 Precinct Count Optical Scan (PCOS) machines.
In its three-page decision, the committee said the appeal of the joint venture (JV), which was filed on Aug. 4 was denied for failure to comply in several bidding requirements.
“Now wherefore, the SBAC 2 resolves, as it hereby resolved, to deny the motion for reconsideration, on the following grounds: Non-compliance with the Net Financial Contracting Capacity (NFCC), Non-compliance with/ Omission of some provisions of the revised Section VII (Technical Specifications) and non-compliance/incomplete submission of sample,” the SBAC 2 Resolution No. 002 dated August 5.
The committee noted that the document, a Letter of Reference from Deutche Bank cannot be considered as Credit Line Commitment (CLC) as it only stated that it will extend assistance/support to Dermalog in the bidding.
“There was not categorical statement from the bank that it was a CLC addressed to the Head of the Procuring Entity and/ or the SBAC 2; and that it will extend financial support in an amount equivalent to at least 10% of the Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC) to Dermalog,” it explained.
On the technical specifications, the SBAC 2 added, the Dermalog also failed to follow the requirement to place the word “COMPLY” in the space corresponding each specification.
Likewise, the company did not submitted samples of the PCOS spare parts, box, peripherals, with the corresponding design specifications and diagram; PCOS consumable and ballots.
“Again, these sample are required in order to determine the capacity, availability and readiness of the bidder to provide the components as required under the project. It is apparent that the items/samples submitted are incomplete and will not be complaint to be tested in accordance with Annex H (Test Scripts) of the bidding documents….” the resolution added.
On Aug. 1, the SBAC 2 declared Dermalog as ineligible, and declared a failure of bidding of the second public bidding for the supply and delivery of refurbishments with systems upgrade of the 81,896 PCOS.
The project has an approved budget of Php 3.13 billion. (PNA)