Arising from the preliminary evaluation, only Ellams was found to be responsive to the preliminary requirements hence qualified to proceed to the mandatory technical evaluation. The IEBC subjected Ellams to the mandatory technical evaluation by analysing the samples submitted but the firm was knocked out for being non-responsive. “Subsequently, no bidder was subjected to financial evaluation; hence the Commission could not determine the prices quoted by each firm as that would have been the next evaluation stage,” IEBC wrote. “Therefore, the procurement was terminated on 27th August 2019 and on 28th August 2019 wrote to the Procurement Regulatory Authority seeking approval as there was urgency for ward by-elections,” Chebukati said. According to documents seen by the Star, the IEBC confirmed that the tender was awarded on September 17, 2019, through direct procurement after all the four firms that bid failed to qualify.

Source: The Star February 17, 2021 06:56 UTC