Inaipi suspends food supply contracts amid collusion probe

The Dominican Institute for Comprehensive Attention to Early Childhood (Inaipi) has halted multiple contracts and awards valued at over 400 million pesos as a precautionary measure. The suspension affects six contracts and several adjudications stemming from a national public tender for the supply and distribution of food to its CAIPI and CAFI centers in the metropolitan area.

The suspended contracts were awarded to companies including Panaco, S.R.L.; García Tejera & Asociados, S.R.L.; Tenedora Gaboc, S.R.L., which had secured awards totaling 232,075,217 pesos. Other affected entities include Food Truck Dominicana-Vimica, S.R.L.; Viramica, S.R.L.; and Nurks, S.R.L., with awards amounting to 169,466,348 pesos.

Inaipi's decision follows findings from a due diligence investigation by its own Procurement and Contracting Committee. The investigation, documented in Administrative Act No. CC-2026-0144, revealed suspected indications of collusive practices within the bidding process for food supply. The preventive suspension, outlined in Administrative Act No. CC-2026-0103, aims to uphold transparency and legality while awaiting conclusions from the Directorate General of Public Procurement (DGCP) and the National Competition Defense Commission (Pro-Competencia).

Importantly, none of the suspended contracts had commenced execution at the time of the decision. No goods or services had been supplied, and no payment documentation had been processed. Inaipi has formally notified the involved companies, the DGCP, Pro-Competencia, and relevant internal departments. The administrative act has been integrated into the procedure's file to ensure traceability and transparency.