DPDC irregularities surface in UHF radio system purchase

Questions over transparency and possible favouritism have emerged over a Tk 7.20-crore tender floated by Dhaka Power Distribution Company Limited (DPDC) to procure a UHF radio communication system, with concerns centring on the tender specifications, the unusually tight pre-bid schedule and subsequent changes to the tender process.

DPDC documents show that an international tender under package G/CE-SCS/25-26/007 was invited on July 15 to convert the existing VHF communication system in the southern region to UHF.

The tender was published at 9am, but the pre-bid meeting was scheduled for 2pm to 3pm the same day-giving potential bidders barely five hours to obtain and study the documents, scrutinise technical specifications and prepare questions.

Stakeholders questioned how potential bidders could properly review the tender documents, examine technical requirements and prepare queries within such a short period.

The original deadline for bid submission was July 30, with bids scheduled to be opened on August 2. The opening date was later revised to August 6. Questions have also been raised over alleged changes to the financial conditions and the lack of publicly available information on the number of bidders and which bidders were deemed “responsive.”

The estimated cost of the project is Tk 7.20 crore, with a bid security of Tk 15 lakh. The project is to be funded by DPDC.

The most serious concerns, however, relate to the technical specifications. Allegedly, the tender includes proprietary technologies associated with Motorola, including Capacity Plus, Capacity Max and Connect Plus, alongside the widely used Digital Mobile Radio (DMR) standard.

Technology experts said equipment from brands such as Icom, Hytera, Tait and Kenwood may operate on the DMR standard but may not be fully compatible with Motorola’s proprietary protocols. This, they said, could restrict competition from other brands despite the tender being formally open.

The mandatory Wi-Fi support requirement for base radios has also raised questions about its necessity for the project.

Energy and procurement expert Prof Shamsul Alam said the need for Wi-Fi and brand-specific technologies should be reconsidered. “An analysis of the tender specifications and schedule raises questions about the possibility of favouring a particular brand,” he said, calling for a review at the highest level.

Attempts were made to contact Habibun Nahar, Managing Director (Additional Charge) of Dhaka Power Distribution Company Limited (DPDC), and Md. Robiul Hasan, Executive Director (ICT & Procurement), for their comments on the matter.

However, neither official answered phone calls despite repeated attempts. SMS messages were also sent to them seeking their comments, but no response was received until the report was filed.

However a senior offcial of the DPDC told the Daily Observer there was no scope to favour any particular brand. The SCADA department could provide details about the tender, adding that he was unaware whether the pre-bid meeting had been held on the day the tender was published.