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. However, after protests from the business sector over the costs that this would generate on freight, it was changed to a fixed charge per container, but this was not established.
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.
The tender for the operation and maintenance of scanners at the National Customs Authority has been interrupted by two companies complaining about the process.
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".
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."