Prensa.com reports: "Consorcio Cotecna and Consorcio SGS Scanning Panamá opposed the decision of the evaluation committee which disqualifed them and declared the winner to be Consorcio Mc Millan, Ebco, Nuctech".

Both consortia have complained about being disqualified for not having the experience required for the operation of the scanners at customs offices in a country with a non-intrusive inspection program. But this view was not supported by one of the commissioners who evaluated the proposal.

Adolfo Fabrega, evaluation committee member and officer of the Chamber of Commerce, Industries and Agriculture of Panama, said the companies demonstrated their experience, but did not have experience in a member country of the World Customs Organization (WCO). He added that McMillan did not meet the minimum requirements of experience in the operation and maintenance of scanners for customs in WCO member countries.

SGS Scanning Panama offered $7.2 million a year, Consorcio Cotecna $15.7 million a year and the consortium McMillan, Ebco, Nuctech $16.9 million a year.

Source: Prensa.com

More on this topic

Still No Decision on Charge for Scanners in Panama  

December 2013

Nearly 3 months after the award for the installation and operation of scanners at ports and customs office the cost for the service is still not known.

In the original statement of the tender which was awarded to the consortium McMillan, Ebco and Nuctech for $16.9 million it was proposed there be a percentage charged ad valorem on the country's exports and imports.

Scanners Contract Awarded in Panama

October 2013

With a $16.9 million bid, the consortium McMillan, Ebco and Nuctech have been awarded the contract for the operation and maintenance of scanners in ports and customs offices.  

"... Consorcio Cotecna and SGS Panama Control Services, each filed complaints with the Public Procurement Directorate, but these were rejected", reported Prensa.com.

Three Companies After Panamanian Scanners Contract

August 2013

Bids submitted range from $7 million to $ 17 million to operate and maintain the container inspection system.

Prensa.com reports: "Those involved are SGS Scanning Panama, Cotecna (both from Switzerland) and the consortium made up of the companies McMillan, Ebco, and Nuctech, from Guatemala, Brazil and China, respectively."

Complaints Against Scanning Fee Based on Cargo Value

July 2013

The collection of an ad valorem rate for the cargo inspection service in Panamanian customs offices violate the Customs Facilitation Agreement of the World Trade Organization.

"The uncertainty generated by this measure has been rising since the National Customs Authority (ANA by its initials in Spanish) convened a tender in March.