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French firm likely to bag MRP deal
KATHMANDU, JUL 05 -
France-based Oberthur Technologies has emerged as a strong contender among bidders for the multi-million-dollar machine readable passport (MRP) project.
An evaluation team headed by Chief of Protocol at Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) Mukti Nath Bhatta, following marathon meetings of the last couple of days, has reached a conclusion that the French company fulfills more requirements than the other three in fray on the basis initial findings.
Oberthur has offered to supply an MRP for US$ 3.50, De La Rue has quoted $6.26 per copy while 3M and Perum Peruri have agreed to deliver each smart passport for $4.50 and $5.90, respectively.
“Having completed the evaluation process, we will submit our report to Foreign Secretary Madan Kumar Bhattarai on Wednesday for a final call. The team has prepared a competitive chart for the four firms based on their dossiers, which will help take an informed decision and convince the public about the selection,” a member of evaluation committee said.
The team is said to have taken note of the lowest bid price, each firm’s strength in view of the technical and non-technical requirements, specifications, post qualification criteria and credentials.
“We have suggested that Oberthur be awarded the contract,” the member said.
The committee faced a jolt on Monday after De La Rue and Perum Peruri filed a protest note at the MoFA seeking review of the process saying Oberthur did not fulfill other tender requirements and that some quotes were out of specification despite being the lowest bidder.
“Some of the hiccups delayed our effort to take a non-controversial decision. The foreign secretary will address the persisting confusions while evaluating the documents,” the official said.
MoFA announced a fresh bid to supply MRP on May 18. The firm that is awarded the contract is required to deliver the first consignment of MRP after 70 days of signing the agreement with MoFA. After the delivery, the ministry will issue the first MRP copy in 15 days, according to the tender documents.
Posted on: 2010-07-06 08:03
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