Contract gets thumbs up

 THE Pacific Games Organising Committee has revealed that Pindu Transport and Logistics Service Limited approached them a year ago to provide transport services for the Pacific Games.

The GOC, through communications manager Melissa Fairi, outlined this in a statement answering queries on the contract between the committee and Pindu.

She said the company responded to an expression of interest notice issued last March that called for proposals from interested companies to supply vehicles. 

Fairi said 20 companies submitted their interest for vehicle rentals and Pindu Transport was awarded the contract because they followed the process and submitted all the required documentation.

“Pindu will supply up to 250 vehicles — complete with drivers — over the period June 1-July 20,” Fairi said. 

“Pindu will provide the necessary vehicle maintenance as well as all cleaning of the vehicles and the GOC will provide the schedules and timetables.

“The 250 vehicles will be used to support the needs of athletes and officials.”

Fairi confirmed that the company was looking to hire vehicles to bolster its fleet and that was part of their effort to meet their contractual obligations.

“Yes, Pindu is hiring and is looking for buses and cars to sub-contract (them)  — but this is part of the process.”

She said Pindu was actively working with their transport division, with the work to start on June 1. 

When asked how much the contract was worth, Fairi responded by stating that the contract reflected the value of contracting 250 vehicles, servicing them, hiring and maintaining a crew of more than 300 drivers.

She did not give an amount.

Fairi said that the contract had a detailed payment scheme, along with penalties for non-performance. 

“The contract reflects market research conducted through the expression of interest process and indepth bidding.

“It is reflective of the fact that in addition to the 300-plus drivers, an additional 60 administration crew will be hired.

“The vehicles will operate up to 18 hours a day.” She said the contract did not require the winning bidder to own a fleet but demonstrate the ability to obtain the fleet and drivers in accordance with the schedule.  

Faira said Pindu demonstrated such a plan and hit all the targets of the contract.