Problems with the tender arose when participating firms complained that the Agency did not follow the specified tender process. EICTDA first invited companies to express interest in August 2006. The Agency wanted to hire a consulting firm to conduct a study on developing a network master plan focusing in part on the Woreda network (Wordeda Net), implemented two years ago. Other goals of the consultancy included recommending a three year ICT strategic plan and outlining the training requirements to run the network.

Seven IT firms responded to the tender. Three were local companies, MAT Electrotechnical, BIS and National IT Solutions. The other four were Telecom Finland, EQ Telecom from the Netherlands, Huaxin China and TCIN India.

EICTDA allowed all companies to submit technical bids, which were opened on October 2, 2006. The Agency then evaluated the offers for eleven days and proceeded to open the financial offers on October 13, 2006, when the controversy arose.

The companies held that the Agency could not open their financial documents as it had not announced the firms that passed the technical level. They referred to the tender specifications, pointing out that EICTDA could only open the financial documents of those firms that had passed the evaluation. Unless the Agency told them the results, the bidding process could not proceed.

"Even if the Agency does not like the specification, it was required by the body that is funding the project, and the Agency needs to follow it" a representative of one of the international firms said.

Due to the protests, the Agency postponed the financial opening. The EICTDA has since announced a re-tender.

The National Network Master Plan is being entirely funded by the World Bank's International Development Association (IDA) and overseen by the Public Sector Capacity Building Program (PSCBP). The Master Plan project is under the ICT capacity program.

Source: Addis Fortune - WDR/Intelecon Regulatory News