EPTC WANTS TELECOMS MATERIAL SUPPLIERS

MBABANE – EPTC has presented a business opportunity to suppliers for the procurement of telecommunications material.

The equipment required by Eswatini Post and Telecommunications Corporation (EPTC) ranges from handsets, copper wire cables to modems and basic coded telephones.

In an invitation to tender, issued by the Eswatini Public Procurement Regulatory Agency (ESPPRA), it was explained that the tender was intended to identify suppliers of the items based on periodic contracts which would include consignment stock arrangements.
It was pointed out that the estimated annual usage would not be procured as once-off but different quantities would be purchased as and when required.

Bidders

It was clarified that awarded bidders would be expected to comply with regulations of the Eswatini Communications Commission (ESCCOM) governing type approval certificates for all deliveries.  “All deliveries are subject to internal quality checks for compatibility to EPTC network before approval and acceptance into EPTC inventory. Material that does not meet EPTC quality standards is not accepted,” EPTC stipulated. 

It was also disclosed that EPTC reserves the right to accept or reject all proposals, at any time prior to the award of the contract, without incurring any liability to the affected tenderer(s), or any obligation to inform the affected tenderer(s) of the grounds for EPTC’s action. It was stated that unless otherwise indicated in the bidding documents, the corporation would not be liable for any expense incurred in the preparation and submission of a bid.  “Where applicable a non-refundable fee for documents may be charged,” reads the invitation to tender in part. 

To assist in the examination, evaluation and comparison of tenders, EPTC said it may, at its discretion, ask the tenderer for a clarification on any part of its tender and the response would be in writing and no change in price or substance of the proposal shall be sought, offered or permitted.

Tender

“EPTC does not bind itself to accept the lowest or any tender nor give any reason for the acceptance or rejection of a tender. EPTC may accept a tender for a part of the quantity offered or reject any tender without assigning any reason,” EPTC warned.
It was also mentioned that acceptance or rejection of a tender offer would be communicated by a formal acceptance or rejection letter sent by fax, email and or normal post, directly to the tenderer.

However, it was clarified that an acceptance by such letter would not mean that EPTC was binding itself to an agreement.  “EPTC shall only be bound under the agreement once the terms and conditions of the contract are agreed between the parties. Tenderers will not be permitted to modify or change the substance of their proposals after the closing date and when the tender box has been opened,” EPTC added. 

The closing date for submissions will be July 26, 2019. EPTC, a body corporate, was established in April 1986 under Act No. 11 of 1983. This act regulates all the activities of EPTC. The EPTC is responsible to the minister of Information and Communications Technology (ICT), Princess Sikhanyiso, who in turn is answerable to government for the activities of the corporation. 

The Public Enterprises -Control and Monitoring Act No. 8 of 1989 classifies the Corporation as a category A Public Enterprise, as a body wholly owned by government or in which government has a majority interest.” The main responsibilities of EPTC are the operation, maintenance and development of postal and telecommunications services nationally.












 

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