The Armed Forces of Malta said today that only two companies had submitted bids to supply a new €3 million communications system.
The contract, signed today, was awarded to Israeli company Aeronautics Defence Systems Ltd. The EU will meet 75% of the costs.
A number of people writing on timesofmalta.com earlier this week had questioned why the AFM had not chosen a European company.
The AFM said that early last year it invited six international companies with recognised competence in this field to register their interest in bidding for the contract. This approach was selected instead of an open call for bids because of security reasons.
The six companies consisted of one based in North America, three in Europe and two in Israel.
Four chose to respond and entered into a non-disclosure agreement. Following receipt of the technical description of the requirement, two companies deposited bids within the allocated timeframe.
One of those two, Aeronautics Defence Systems Ltd was eventually selected to supply, install and commission the required system and provide associated training.
The army said it had long felt the need for a more secure and efficient voice and data communications system to better integrate the operation of all its assets.
“The system being offered by Aeronautics clearly reflects their strengths as an integrator. The actual equipment that forms the system is sourced from Europe, America, Israel and Australia, thus ensuring that every component meets the requirements as closely as possible. This approach has also provided the system with a significant level of flexibility, both as regards future growth as well as the potential to interoperate with a wide variety of different national and international agencies. There is no doubt that these capabilities will stand the AFM in excellent stead when participating in joint border control operations such as those organised under the umbrella of Frontex,” the AFM said.
“A further positive aspect of this bid is the fact that Aeronautics have chosen to partner with a local company, Alliance Ltd, to support not only installation and commissioning but ongoing support subsequent to the acceptance of the system. The knowledge that a local entity with wide experience in IT and networking solutions is available to deliver support as and when needed was a vital consideration.”
The AFM expressed gratitude to the US government for its assistance on the drawing up of its technical plan for the new communications infrastructure.