Pakistan’s procurement watchdog seeks explanation from KPT on tendering process complaint

The Pakistan Public Procurement Regulatory Authority (PPRA) has requested an explanation from the Karachi Port Trust (KPT) Chairman following a complaint by Van Oord, a global marine contractor, regarding the tendering process for dredging works at Karachi Harbour.

Sources told nukta that Van Oord's complaint centers on the non-issuance of a technical evaluation report for maintenance dredging in key areas of the harbour.

The PPRA has directed the KPT Chairman to address the failure to follow essential rules and procedures, specifically the non-issuance of a complete technical evaluation report and the lack of adherence to a mandatory seven-day standstill period after announcing technical evaluation results.

The tender for the maintenance dredging of the approach channel, Tipu Sultan channel, and South Wharf basin (partial) at a depth of 16km and the disposal of material at a designated dumping site 8km from the fairway, saw four firms submitting proposals.

These firms included Van Oord Marine & Contractors B.V., Jan De Nul (Belgium), NDMC Group (UAE), and China Harbour Engineering Company (China), with only Van Oord being initially deemed technically qualified, sources said.

Disagreements reportedly arose between the six-member sub-committee and the Departmental Tender Committee (DTC) over the disqualification of China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC).

The sub-committee recommended Van Oord as the sole technically qualified firm, while the DTC and KPT Chairman later included CHEC as technically qualified.

The PPRA highlighted that the results of bid evaluations should be announced as a report justifying bid acceptances or rejections.

The complaint noted that KPT announced the technical evaluation results on the same day as the opening of financial proposals, violating rules, which prevents aggrieved bidders from filing complaints before the Grievance Redressal Committee.