The Ministry of the Interior reported at a press conference that is under analysis of the bidding event awarded by Q84 million for the purchase of weapons of fire, after a series of reports sent by the Comptroller General of Accounts (CGC).
The tender contemplates the acquisition of 10 thousand firearms for the agents of the National Civil Police (PNC). However, an auditing team that evaluated the process considered that there are aspects that merit “administrative actions”, according to official documents.
On July 2, the CGC reiterated the findings about the event, which was classified under the single supplier mode. The argument was that the weapons required by the institution are only marketed by the company awarded.
During the bidding process, three companies presented offers. One of them expressed disagreement with the decision of the qualifying board, claiming that weapons are available in the national market and denouncing an apparent overvaluation.
The CGC granted the Ministry of the Interior a period of three business days to take administrative actions. This expires next Monday afternoon.
“This CGC note is being analyzed in the administrative route,” he said José Ronaldo Portillo, Vice Minister of Securitywho added that the requirement will be attending and issuing the resolution “that the case merits.”
Fundamental for the PNC
According to the Deputy Minister, the purchase of the 10 thousand weapons is necessary to strengthen the PNC, and said that tenders are the ideal tool for that purpose.
“It is through these bidding events that we generate the strengthening of the PNC. I can tell you that it is necessary to promote these processes,” said Portillo.
Currently, Governance seeks to specify the purchase of the weapons, which – he says – is part of the team indispensable for public security forces.
“We are clear that the PNC needs to strengthen its management capabilities and it is necessary to provide it with equipment. I mean firearms, patrols, motorcycles and communications equipment,” he concluded.
About the tender
The bidding event, identified with the number 25430939, was published on April 21 on the Guatecompras portal. The offers were received for 30 minutes on May 5.
Three companies participated: Warehouse El Bisonte, Sociedad Anónima; Technology, Latin imports, corporation; and world of weapons, corporation.
On June 6, the award was granted to the latter. Its legal representatives are Eddy Arnoldo Gómez Gálvez, and the Oscar Francisco and Renzo Ricardo Grazioso Sierra brothers, the latter brothers of Liwy Grazioso Sierra, Minister of Culture and Sports.