DigiWorld, the company that won the Central Electoral Board (JCE) contest to supply US$21 million in equipment for automating the primaries organized by the Central Electoral Board for 6 October 2019, has a bad mark on its procurement record with the government. On her Sin Maquillaje morning talk show, Altagracia Salazar reported the company did not meet contracted procurement requirements in 2011 and was banned from selling to the government for a year. In 2011, the company won a bid to supply 1,300 computers to OPTIC, the technology division of the Presidency. Despite having received payment of 85% of the contract, the computers were not supplied and OPTIC proceeded legally against the company.
Salazar said that abroad election organizers prefer to lease the equipment and not purchase them, as the elections are usually held at least every four years and technology quickly becomes obsolete.
Salazar points out that DigiWorld operates from a small office on Plaza Guridy on Av. 27 de Febrero.
Salazar wondered if a company that could not meet procurement for 1,300 computers will be able to come through with the US$21 million supply contract. The electronic equipment would be tested for the primary and then more equipment would be purchased for the general election in February and May 2020.
This would not be the first time that an equipment procurement order for the general elections may go sour. During the 2016 election, the JCE under Roberto Rosario insisted in purchasing electronic devices for US$49 million. The equipment was practically a failure during those elections and now the JCE pays thousands of dollars to store the equipment.
Meanwhile, the Gallup-Hoy April 2019 reveals only 40% of Dominicans believe in the credibility of the Central Electoral Board (JCE).
See 8:25am into the video for details on the DigiWorld.
YouTube
8 May 2019