Source: Undesnii Shuudan             Date: 27 April, 2011

Mr. N.Ganbyamba, an MPP MP has told media that the present law on tender selection needs amendment as despite prolonged debates little concrete has been achieved to curb the fraudulent activities of some state officials who manipulate most tender selections. More extensive e-governance can stop this, making all facts accessible to the public. All applicant companies should give detailed information on their financial situation. Civil organizations should be responsible for monitoring selection and implementation in a bid to introduce transparency.
He also said the amendments he is working on would give more power to local authorities, and Ministries should no longer be involved in deciding tenders for work in provinces. “It is totally wrong to suggest that local areas do not have the capacity to understand the tender process or to make the right selection,” he said, adding, “If necessary, they will seek the help of professional bodies.”
Pressed to give an example of bad selection, Mr. Ganbyamba said the Trade Union of Ulaanbaatar Railway has revealed that the company chosen to supply 70,000 tons of fuel charged MNT1,713 per liter when the market rate was MNT1,310. The choice of just one company for this total contract also violated the law regulating monopoly. He claimed several other MPs are enthusiastic about getting tender irregularities covered under the Criminal Law and about stronger penalties on companies for substandard work.