GRTU keeps up pressure over computer tenders

The government will be facing strong opposition by the Malta Chamber for Small and Medium Enterprises - GRTU unless it withdraws a call for tenders for the leasing of 15,000 computers.

The GRTU believes the call will deal a major blow to small and medium-sized enterprises, claiming it has been tailored to accommodate a few large companies especially since it requests a Lm25,000 bid bond.

GRTU general director Vince Farrugia told a press conference yesterday that unless the government halted the process and discussed the issue with the GRTU, he would call on the opposition to move a motion in Parliament asking MPs to take a vote on the matter.

In a letter to the Prime Minister requesting a meeting, the GRTU claimed the tender was "in clear breach" of EU Commission advice and 2004 directives about public procurement.

"The Commission has highlighted the need for a reform of the procedures and practices used in a number of public tenders that effectively disadvantage SMEs. Your government has committed itself to remove any such disadvantages," the GRTU said in the letter signed by its president, Paul Abela.

"You... are obliged not to hinder SMEs in their ability to compete for public tenders," he said.

The IT Ministry said the GRTU had made a series of incorrect interpretations regarding the tender on the PC leasing for the public sector and public schools.

"The Ministry for Investment, Industry and Information Technology has already explained, in numerous instances, all the aspects of this procurement process. The GRTU persists in refusing to acknowledge the facts that have been duly, publicly and repeatedly explained by the ministry and keeps trying to reiterate selective interpretations which fit only the point of view of a part of its membership," it said.

A spokesman for the IT Ministry said last week that companies would be able to either bid for the provision of all 15,000 computers or for selected categories. They would also be able to get together and form a consortium.