Times Of Swaziland: EPTC WANTS TELECOMS MATERIAL SUPPLIERS

EPTC WANTS TELECOMS MATERIAL SUPPLIERS
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  BY KWANELE DHLADHLA  on 26/06/2019 00:38:00


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.