TEAM HERALD
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PANJIM: The Tourism Department will re-float tenders for its beach and water patrol services following hearing of the writ petitions filed, before the High Court Bench Monday against the on-going tendering process. The three agencies’ petition had challenged the on-going tendering process, arguing that no adequate time was given to them to compete in the bidding process.
In addition to glitches over the marking system and other objections, officials in the Tourism Department said they have informed the court that they would re-float tenders in the wake of several objections.
“The aggrieved agencies probably wanted more time to have tie-ups with international partners and other issues,” disclosed an official.
With the contract lapsing on June 15, this development will further delay the process of selecting an agency to man Goa’s coastline. Meanwhile, the contract of the incumbent agency has been extended till July 31.
Officials, however say, tenders will be re-floated immediately but it would be up to the government to decide the date for finalizing the selection of the agency.
While six agencies had shown interest in the bidding process which commenced in May this year, only two submitted their bids. The technical bids had been opened while the financial bids were due to be opened later in June before which three agencies moved the High Court.
While hoping for a better response in the second round to make the process more competitive, officials were, however, unable to explain the reason for the poor response to the tenders floated in May.
The dept will also have to come clear on what action it would propose in case the agencies who moved the court fail to participate in the second round of the bidding process.
