NTDC clarifies $2m losses report: The News stands by its story

ISLAMABAD: Clarifying a news report titled “NTDC likely to incur $2m losses in equipment buying” published in The News on March 1, 2018, the spokesman of the National Transmission Distribution Company (NTDC) said that the tender notice number 3217-R4M (related to insulators and hardware for 500kV Neelum Jhelum Transmission Line, Phase-II) was floated on 08.10.2017. The tender was on single stage two envelope method of procurement and as such the technical bid of the five bidders (who purchased the tender) was opened on 16.11.2017

The spokesman pointed out that technical evaluation was carried out by M/s NESPAK, which is a Consultant, independent of NTDC. However, since the matter is highly technical, technical suitability is always kept as the paramount consideration during the process of evaluation. During the technical evaluation, four bidders were declared as technically non-responsive, whereas one bidder was found technically responsive.

The spokesman said the non-responsive bidders were requested to collect their financial bids in sealed position strictly in accordance with law, in particular the PPRA Rules 2004. As such, NTDC being procuring agency have no idea, how this loss of $ 2 million has been calculated as the offered price by the non-qualified bidder neither known to NTDC nor to M/s NESPAK. The financial proposal (price bid) of the responsive bidder was opened publically on 02.02.2018.

The spokesman added: It is however unfortunate to note that certain contractors/manufactures or their local agents instead of complying with the complaint procedure as envisaged under the PPRA Rules 2004 have found it more convenient to approach the media in order to influence the entire process of public procurement in their favour. There is a mechanism provided in PPRA Rules for redressal of grievances and once the bidding process is completed, NTDC as per the requirement of the law places the results on website allowing a mandatory grievances period. It would have been more appropriate, if the bidders had availed the facility provided under the rule. It is further clarified that as per PPRA Rules, NTDC reserve right to disqualify any such bidder who resort to unlawful means to influence the bidding process, which as per PPRA rule is kept confidential.

The spokesman further stated that NTDC has at all times acted strictly in accordance with the PPRA Rules 2004. As the evaluation process of this tender, which is of confidential nature, has not yet been completed, hence, NTDC, which is also bound by Rule 41 “Confidentiality” of the PPRA Rules 2004, no further comments can be offered at this point in time.

It is pertinent to note that 150Km Neelum Jhelum Transmission line has already been completed, whereas the work on phase-II is in progress and will be completed within schedule period of time.

Munawar Hasan adds: The investigative report about alleged favourtism in an NTDC tender was self-explanatory, exposing role of Nespak — the consultant — in the whole process. It was filed after contacting all relevant quarters for getting their respective versions. NTDC/NESPAK still has no answer to the allegations made in the report. Thus, The News' stands by its story.