Firm demands re-issue of call for tenders

A company yesterday filed a writ of summons in the Civil Court requesting the re-issue of a call for tenders for a shop concession at Malta International Airport.

Gafà Saveway Ltd filed its writ against MIA and against C. Camilleri & Sons Ltd.

It said it had operated the shop Pick 'n' Mix at the airport departure lounge for the last 10 years. The latest contract it had with MIA was for a period of five years and expired on May 14. In April, MIA issued a call for tenders for the provision of a retail activity within the departure lounge for this shop and Gafà Saveway Ltd submitted an offer for the concession.

However, in May it was informed by MIA that its bid had not been accepted and that it would have to vacate the premises by not later than June 14.

The tender had been awarded to C. Camilleri & Sons Ltd even though Gafà Saveway Ltd said it had submitted the most advantageous offer.

Gafà Saveway Ltd asked the First Hall of the Civil Court to declare that the tender process was vitiated and that the tender had not been awarded to the most advantageous bidder. In any case, MIA had not followed the established procedures in terms of the public contracts regulations.

Gafà Saveway Ltd also asked the court to declare null and void the letter of acceptance of tender issued by MIA in favour of C. Camilleri & Sons and to also declare null and void the concession made by MIA in favour of the defendant company for the shop Pick 'n' Mix.

The court was asked to order MIA to issue another call for tenders for the concession of the shop and to hold MIA liable in damages towards Gafà Saveway Ltd.

The writ was signed by Dr Anthony Ellul and Dr Edward Gatt.