Where is transparency with quotes?
2005-06-23
LAST year the Municipality gave the assurance that all tenders would be placed on a board so that people interested in tendering, would have all the information at their disposal.
No such board has been put up. Nor are tenders opened in the presence of tenderers - officials from the procurement department are just deciding for themselves who gets a tender, and the tenderers do not know how the decisions are taken.
I tendered for the fencing of Zakazwane and put in the lowest tender, but I did not get the job.
The officials one-sidedly decided to change the tender to vibracrete, for which I also quoted, but I did not get the tender.
We contractors pay for the tender documents, but then we get no feedback.
The Municipality just changes the outlines of the tender, for instance by splitting it up into smaller jobs, but never inform the contractors - later you hear they have accepted someone else’s tender.
There is no transparency and accountability in the municipality. The unsuccessful tenderers are not informed about the decision and wait for months with no information.
Loyiso Sibelekwana
A municipal spokesman replies: The Municipality is committed to transparent procurement processes in line with legislative requirements.
In general procurement is made via two different procedures, i.e. quotations below the amount of R120 000 and tenders for purchases above R120 000. Arrangements have been put in place to ensure that the opening of both tenders and quotations be done in the open to avoid any possible malpractises.
It should be pointed out that although preferential procurement is by law only required above R30 000, the Municipality apply these principles to procurement below this amount as well. The allegations of officials “just deciding for themselves who gets a tender” is totally incorrect.
Offers are evaluated by two different sections according to technical and HDI factors and each procurement can be fully justified. All official tenderers are informed in writing, whether they are successful or not. However, in the case of quotations, it is impossible to respond to all quotes in writing and persons submitting an offer are made aware that if they are not informed of an allocation within fourteen days after opening, they should assume that they were not successful.
The writer makes reference to an instance where the specifications have been changed. Such changes can happen and should not be considered irregular as long as all tenderers are again given the opportunity to tender. People interested in submitting quotes, should consult the municipal notice boards on a regular basis, or contact our procurement section.
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