Border Guard tender continues to remain in limbo

Two consortia are expected to submit offers - Computerland and Emax. The BG have such tough requirements that the bidders are expected to substantially exceed the EUR 50 million cost limit, which in turn would result in their offers being rejected. The exact costs of the investment have not been estimated yet, nor have the necessary administrative permits (i.e. building permits) been applied for. Bidders risk a 20% penalty for any delay, even if the reasons for the delay are beyond the bidder's control. All these and many other equally demanding criteria, make the project very risky, and increase costs substantially. The system is due to be ready by autumn 2007 and the tender has been running since 2004, however, no applications for the necessary permits have been submitted yet. Hence there is no possibility of completing the project on time. The market is now speculating that the BG has lost interest in the project. (Puls Biznesu, p. 6) J.L.