By: Kadijatu Bangura, Reporter
The Independent Procurement Review Panel (IPRP) has concluded its investigation into a procurement issue involving the Projects Fiduciary Management Unit (PFMU) and has referred its findings to the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) for possible prosecution.
This decision follows an appeal from Smart Network Solution SL, Ltd. and Computer Shop regarding the PFMU’s handling of a bidding process for equipment procurement related to the Bank of Sierra Leone Data Centre (NO.SL-MOFED-328218).
The appeals, lodged on February 12th and 17th, 2025, contested the decision made by the Technical Bid Evaluation Committee and the accompanying Bid Report of the PFMU. The procurement process, which was advertised on October 19th, 2024, was funded by the World Bank for the Supply, Delivery, Installation, Integration, and Configuration of Active and Passive Equipment (Lot 1 and Lot 2).
Both Smart Network Solution SL, Ltd. and Computer Shop submitted bids and participated in the bid opening on November 19th, 2024, only to be informed later by the PFMU that their proposals were unsuccessful due to non-compliance with the specified requirements for the most responsive bidders.
Smart Network Solution SL, Ltd. contested the PFMU’s interpretation of their submitted reference letters, asserting that a joint venture reference letter was misunderstood. They also highlighted a referral from Techno IT in Liberia, claiming it exceeded the required project threshold. Meanwhile, Computer Shop challenged the PFMU’s statement that it failed to submit proof of personnel certificates, noting that no such clause existed in the bidding documentation.
The IPRP found that the PFMU did not adequately address these specific allegations during the investigation. The panel also noted its disappointment with the PFMU’s conduct and its failure to submit requested documents despite receiving an extension. The PFMU attributed the delay to the “bulky” nature and “sensitive information” contained within the documents.
Emphasizing its mandate under the Public Procurement Act of 2016, the IPRP expressed concerns that the PFMU’s actions undermined public trust. A hearing was held to allow both appellants and the PFMU to present their cases, but the PFMU failed to attend. Both complainants articulated their positions, and panelists offered clarifications.
After thorough deliberations, the IPRP reached several key conclusions:
- The Technical and Financial aspects of the complainants’ bids were not evaluated by the Procurement Evaluation Committee.
- The technical components of the complainants’ bids will be evaluated by a new committee. This committee must consist of representatives from inclusive monitoring stakeholders, including the beneficiary institution, Ministry of Finance, World Bank representatives, and the National Public Procurement Authority (NPPA), ensuring the exclusion of any member from the previous evaluation committee.
In light of the PFMU’s lack of cooperation and serious concerns raised during the investigation, the IPRP has decided to refer its findings to the ACC for further investigation and potential prosecution.
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