The General Public Procurement Agency (DGCP) has revealed significant irregularities in a bidding process by the National Institute of Student Welfare (Inabie) for school backpacks and kits for the 2025-2026 and 2026-2027 academic years. These findings corroborate previous denunciations made on the investigative news program “El Informe con Alicia Ortega,” which initially brought the questionable public contract to light, Noticias SIN reports.
The preliminary report, identified as investigation number DGCP44-2025-002328, cites seven serious flaws that undermine the legality and transparency of the procurement process. These include indications of collusion, conflicts of interest, and substantial errors in the technical evaluation of bids submitted by 103 potential suppliers.
The DGCP’s report details that bids that failed to correct required observations were nonetheless allowed to proceed, violating established evaluation protocols. Furthermore, experts not officially designated by Inabie’s Purchasing Committee participated in key evaluations, compromising the impartiality of the process.
Among the findings are errors and omissions in technical verifications, which may have allowed the approval of companies that did not meet the necessary requirements. The investigation also uncovered material and substantial flaws in the bid bonds, essential documents meant to ensure the commitment of the bidders.
The DGCP additionally pointed to a lack of transparency in score calculations, insufficient public disclosure of technical evaluation acts, and potential ties between evaluators and companies. These issues raise concerns about possible conflicts of interest and anti-competitive practices.
As part of the ongoing process, the DGCP has given the implicated suppliers and INABIE five business days to present their defenses. If the irregularities are not adequately justified, the regulatory body could annul the awarding of the tender and order a complete re-evaluation of the process.
“Once the aforementioned period expires, the Resolution with the definitive results of the investigation will be issued,” the document states, citing Article 224 of the Regulations for the Application of Law No. 340-06 and its amendments.
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Noticias SIN
Diario Libre
10 July 2025