Security firm challenges EMBD contract award at procurement office

Amalgamated Security Services Ltd has formally challenged the award of a security services contract by the Estate Management and Business Development Company Ltd (EMBD) to SWAT Security Company Ltd. The contract in question pertains to security services for EMBD's Central Zone.

The challenge has been lodged with the Office of Procurement Regulation (OPR) in accordance with the review procedures established by the Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Property Act. An OPR Hearing Panel is now tasked with determining whether the procurement process should be suspended while the review is underway.

Under Section 50(4) of the act, the panel must make this decision within three days of receiving the application, with a ruling expected by Monday. The panel has also ordered EMBD to urgently disclose several procurement documents to facilitate a thorough understanding of the issues raised and to verify the application's statutory compliance.

Among the documents EMBD was ordered to provide by last night are notices sent to SWAT and other bidders regarding the contract award. If these notices are unavailable, EMBD must submit alternative records, including the tender price, contract sum, details of any standstill period, and information on the signed contract with SWAT. The panel also requested details on the contract's duration and value. The contract, effective July 1, covers security services for EMBD's Central Zone, which includes lands formerly owned by Caroni (1975) Ltd.