THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY
QUESTION FOR WRITTEN REPLY
QUESTION 1507

Mr [Andricus] van der Westhuizen (DA) to ask the Minister of Trade and Industry [Rob Davies]:

(1) What was the difference in the points scored by a certain company (VALORit) to the value of R153 million and the tender submitted by another bid company (Faritec LTD) for an enterprise content management system for the Companies and Intellectual Property Registration Office (Cipro);

(2) Whether the tender was awarded on the basis that the successful bidding company (a) offered the best value for money and (b) has a track-record to deliver on a contract of this magnitude; if so, (c) how was this conclusion reached and (d) what are the further relevant details; if not,

(3) Whether he will take steps to set aside the award of this tender; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details? NW 1911 E

Response:

(1) Based on the Companies and Intellectual Property Registration Office (Cipro) report, the difference in the points is as follows:

(2) (a) According to Cipro, the tender was awarded to VALORit, as they were of the view that they offered best value for money.

(b) The Cipro report indicates that VALORit has extensive experience in terms of the ECM solution implementation as reflected in the scoring and that it has a track-record to deliver on a contract of this magnitude.

(c)- (d) The decision to award the contract to VALORit was reached after the evaluation and adjudication process in terms of the supply chain management policy.

(3) The Minister has already requested an audit on this matter and is awaiting the final report. A decision to set aside the award of this tender will be premature without due process to determine if any irregularities occurred. If there were any irregularities in the awarding of the tender, appropriate action will be taken.

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