Latest update November 24th, 2024 1:00 AM

Guyana's largest selling daily and New York's most popular weekly

Latest News

Many contractors non-responsive because of simple lapses – Communities Ministry

May 14, 2017 News

– 7 projects re-tendered

It appears that contractors vying for state projects are suffering because of simple things like not submitting required documents.
The Ministry of Communities yesterday met with several small contractors to discuss their mis-steps in the tendering process. The contractors were among those who bid for nine projects – seven of which they were non-responsive to.
According to the ministry, the group met with Permanent Secretary, Emil McGarrell and Procurement Manager, Michael Blackman, in the boardroom of its Fort Street, Kingston office.
The PS urged the contractors to build their capacity to perform not only small contracts but much larger ones.
However, he noted that the work must be of a very high standard and must be done accurately.
The PS further urged the contractors to set their own standards and core values that would guide their company during the tendering process.
The official stated that all of the tenders failed due to simple administrative lapses such as forgetting to include the business registration.
“We put out a tender for which you responded, but unfortunately everybody failed to meet the criteria. This is for the administrative aspect and not the technical aspect.”
The problems were because of some simple requirements. Some of the contractors failed to submit a valid registration, National Insurance Scheme (NIS) and Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) compliance, while others did not complete the tender documents or failed to attach a signature to the bid declaration form.
Other tenders were deemed non-responsive due to a failure to indicate whether they are engaged in litigation, whether they are involved in ongoing projects, and for failing to provide a list of equipment.
The meeting would come after the ministry advertised for nine projects in recent months after evaluating the tenders, it was decided that seven of these projects would have to be retendered.
The meeting was to bring the contractors to bring them up to speed with the procurement process and its guidelines.
The PS stressed that there was no question as to the technical capabilities of the contractors, but all the hiccups were avoidable and of an administrative nature. He explained the tender process and answered questions from all of the contractors. They were informed that the law requires the ministry to give notification of the responsiveness of each bid and they also have a right to request the reason for the contractors’ non-responsiveness.
The contractors were informed that they all will be allowed to re-tender and once compliant, seven of them, would each received a project.
There has been an increased push for small contractors to benefit more from state projects.
In the past, there have been numerous complaints of corruption making it difficult for the smaller contractors to get a piece of the state pie. There have been improvements in the systems, thanks to tougher legislation and new personnel in a number of the procurement bodies.

Similar Articles

The Glenn Lall Show | November, 20th, 2024

Follow on Tik Tok @Glennlall

THE BLUNT OF THE DAY

Sports

West Indies ride on Greaves’ 115 to exert dominance over Bangladesh

West Indies ride on Greaves’ 115 to exert dominance over...

Nov 24, 2024

ESPNcricinfo – A maiden Test century for Justin Greaves headlined a dominant day for West Indies against Bangladesh on day two of the Antigua Test. After his 115 helped West Indies post 450 for...
Read More
Marian, Potaro, Waramuri and St John the Baptist advance into the semis

Marian, Potaro, Waramuri and St John the Baptist...

Nov 24, 2024

Adams, Ghani smash hundreds in runs-filled ERC T10 Tapeball 

Adams, Ghani smash hundreds in runs-filled ERC...

Nov 24, 2024

RHTYSC honours top LCSS Student with Claudette Foster Memorial Award

RHTYSC honours top LCSS Student with Claudette...

Nov 24, 2024

IBA President congratulates Steve Ninvalle on his re-election as GBA head

IBA President congratulates Steve Ninvalle on his...

Nov 24, 2024

Fireworks expected in Mayoral Cycle Road Race in New Amsterdam today as Mayor expected to lead ride off

Fireworks expected in Mayoral Cycle Road Race in...

Nov 24, 2024

Features/Columnists

Publisher’s Note

Freedom of speech is our core value at Kaieteur News. If the letter/e-mail you sent was not published, and you believe that its contents were not libellous, let us know, please contact us by phone or email.

Feel free to send us your comments and/or criticisms.
Contact: 624-6456; 225-8452; 225-8458; 225-8463; 225-8465; 225-8473 or 225-8491.
Or by Email: [email protected] / [email protected]

Weekend Cartoon

Bridge Watch

Demerara Harbour Bridge

> Berbice Bridge […]