The Social Security Fund in Panama will allocate the amount to the purchase of supplies, reagents, calibrators, controllers and analyzers for clinical laboratory tests.
Laestrella.com.pa reports that "...This authorization of the expense includes three lines, with each one containing innumerable laboratory tests and that must be supplied for a period of four years, informed the National Logistics Office.Among the inputs included in this acquisition are those for: hepatitis, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test, hemoglobin."
An investigation has been launched into four contracts for $6.5 million awarded directly by the Public Ministry to three companies supplying ammunition, grenades and police uniforms.
The companies that obtained the contracts are Max Gear Inc., Mil Spec International Corp, and Inmunex. The National Authority for Transparency and Access to Information (Antai) is investigating the contracts, since they may have been granted without a public tender process having been held beforehand.
The Ministry of Public Works will be awarding a direct contract for dredging of rivers, and construction of embankments, bracing, and retaining walls with gabions system.
From a statement issued by the Presidency of Panama:
Panama, November 30, 2016.In order to address the effects of the floods caused by Tropical Storm Otto, the Cabinet declared a state of emergency in the country and authorized contracts needed to deal with the emergency up to the amount of 10 million dollars.
The private sector has denounced the "clear abuse on the part of the state by forcing all agencies and public companies to make contracts with each other."
From a statement issued by the Costa Rican Union of Chambers and Associations in the Private Business Sector (UCCAEP):
October, 2016.The Costa Rican Union of Chambers and Associations in the Private Business Sector (UCCAEP), complained to the Commission to Promote Competition (COPROCOM) that the Costa Rican government is using monopolistic practices.
In order to replenish stocks of medicines the Social Security Department will be able to sign contracts directly for amounts up to $500,000.
With the backing of President the Social Security Department (CSS by its initials in Spanish) plans to start signing contracts directly in the next 30 days, after presenting a proposal to the Board of the institution next Tuesday.
Ten advertising agencies have shown interest in obtaining the contract for the international promotion of Panama as a tourist destination.
An article on Prensa.com reports that "... The contract to manage international tourism promotion in the country has generated interest from major foreign advertising agencies. To date, the Tourism Authority of Panama (ATP) has received 10 proposals and it is expected that this number will increase in the coming weeks. "
Transparency International believes that the bill currently under discussion is insufficient to prevent corruption in the state procurement system.
According to the Panamanian chapter of Transparency International, the bill on public procurement in the country should include aspects such as making public the annual action plan to further reduce discretion to recruit directly, eliminating the possibility of "addenda which is harmful to the interests of the State " or improving the process of paying bills.
Panamanian entrepreneurs stress that the procedures for selecting suppliers in procurements must not only be independent and transparent, but must also be perceived as being so.
From a statement issued by the Chamber of Commerce, Industries and Agriculture of Panama (CCIAP):
REFORM OF PUBLIC PROCUREMENT LAW TO PROMOTE INCREASED COMPETITION
In the Chamber of Commerce, Industries and Agriculture of Panama we are convinced of the need to carry out a comprehensive review of Act 22 of 2006, which regulates public procurement. The procedures for selecting suppliers through public procurements must not only be independent and transparent, but must also be perceived as being so.
The elimination of the abbreviated tenders is part of the search for greater transparency, although it will mean more red tape.
The first major change in the law is the elimination of the changes made to it during the Martinelli administration which will return the law practically to its original features. One of the promises that the Public Procurement Directorate says it is sticking to is adhering to transparency, so that the procurement processes are as clear and transparent as possible, particularly as far as costs are concerned.
Empresa de Transmisión Eléctrica de Panamá is putting out to tender surveillance and custody services for its facilities.
Panama Government Purchase 2015-2-78-0-99-LP-005 897:
"SERVICES OF SURVEILLANCE, CUSTODY AND CONTROL OF ACCESS TO FACILITIES AND GOODS BELONGING TO ETESA LOCATED IN THE PROVINCES OF PANAMA, COLON, COCLE, VERAGUAS, CHIRIQUI AND BOCAS DEL TORO."
Contracts have been awarded in Panama of contracts for the supply, storage, transportation and delivery of materials and medical supplies for the Social Security Department.
Of the 59 products tendered only 54 were awarded to the companies Terapias Avanzadas S.A., Medline Solutions Panama Inc., Alta Tecnología Médica S.A., Alpha Mediq S.A., Kendall S.A., Hospimédica Panamá S.A., Compañía Astor S.A., 3M Panamá, U.S.
Transparency in purchases made by the State is the main barrier to combating corruption of public officials and the only way to ensure fair competition between suppliers.
In all Central American countries resistance to single platforms for government procurement is headed by public officials who thrive on the old systems of administration which kept processes and decisions regarding expenditure in the dark.
The Tourism Authority of Panama calling for companies to submit bids for the operation of the convention center.
The selection of the firm that will manage the convention center to be built in Amador at a cost of $194 million will not go through the PanamaCompra system. The Tourism Authority of Panama (ATP), said that they know of experienced firms for the project, and therefore they will hold the tender by invitation.
The tender in Panama for electricity generation from natural gas, limits participation to companies who already have operating permits.
The tender prepared by the Empresa de Transmisión de Energía, S.A. (Etesa) for contracting power and energy exclusively from new generation plants based on natural gas in the period from March 1, 2017 to February 29, 2036, contains a number of changes, which according to business people from the generation sector, make it almost impossible for most of the companies who originally acquired the tender conditions to participation in.
The National Institute of Culture in Panama is putting out to tender the inspection and control of the works of the City of Arts Project (Ciudad de las Artes).
The aim of the tender is to engage inspection services and works to implement the studies, designs, plans, specifications and construction of the City of Arts Project, in Ancon, district and province of Panama.