DND exec denies anomaly in P1.76-B force protection equipment's bidding

From the Philippine Star (Dec 2): DND exec denies anomaly in P1.76-B force protection equipment's bidding

The Department of National Defense (DND) on Monday denied allegations of anomalies in the bidding for the supply of more than 44,000 sets of force protection equipment worth P1.76-billion.

Defense Assistant Secretary Efren Fernandez maintained that the decision to disqualify the lowest bidder, South Korean firm Kolon Global Corp., is justified since the company failed to meet some requirements.

“DND-BAC (Department of National - Defense Bids and Awards Committee) laments the move of some quarters that to discredit (it) for post-disqualifying Kolon Global Corp.,” Fernandez, who heads the BAC, said in a press conference.

“BAC’s decision is based purely on what is provided for under Republic Act 9184, he added, referring to the procurement law.

Kolon offered to supply 44,080 sets of force protection equipment for P894 million, lower by almost P870,000 than the P1.763 billion approved budget for the project. Kolon’s offer was also cheaper than those offered by three other bidders.

A DND post-qualification team, however, declared that Kolon’s goods did not meet some standards aimed at ensuring the protection of soldiers in the field.

http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2013/12/02/1263423/dnd-exec-denies-anomaly-p1.76-b-force-protection-equipments-bidding