Voice and Data Network
14 June 2006
The South African Revenue Service has today informed the bidders that it did
not award the voice and data networks replacement tender in terms of clause
9.18 of the Request for Tender (RFT) document because SARS was unable to make a
value for money determination. A new replacement, converged network, however,
remains an imperative for SARS in the light of yearly increases in SARSâ
workload over the past years. A new RFT will be issued within the next ten
weeks with specifications which will enable both SARS and bidding vendors to
engage in the tender process in a manner that will secure an outcome.
The tender (RFT 26/2005 network convergence tender SARS) was issued in 2005
and called for tenders to provide upgrades on the SARS voice and data networks.
In particular, the Request for Tender (RTF) called for the provision of:
* The design, build and running of a converged communications network
solution, servicing voice, data and video
* Desktop Support
* Server Support
* Service Management Centre Service Aggregator
The principal reason for not awarding the tender is that SARS is not able to
make a satisfactory value for money business case determination. The
significant price differential in the tenders indicated the divergence in
approach taken by the various bidders. This resulted in the service and
specifications offered by them being significantly different, making it
impossible to evaluate the bids fairly. In order to ensure the integrity of the
process and fair treatment of all bidders, a vendor recall was also conducted
and clarity sought on the pricing and service specifications offered. SARS was
still unable to resolve these issues.
The South African Revenue Service will continue to apply the most rigorous
process and value for money test to all tenders currently under consideration
and in the future. In order to be an effective and efficient tax and customs
administration, SARS will procure the necessary goods and services required for
its business operations in a manner that complies with the relevant procurement
and finance legislation and also ensures best value for money to Government and
the people of South Africa.
Enquiries:
Adrian Lackay
Cell: 083 388 2580
Tel: 012 422 4206
Issued by: South African Revenue Service
14 June 2006
