The controversy surrounding a recent bid at the Liberia Telecommunications Authorities (LTA) continues to escalate, drawing significant public interest and scrutiny. On November 26, 2024, the Public Procurement and Concession Commission (PPCC) commenced hearings aimed at investigating the allegations of irregularities in the selection process of a purported “Ghost” company as the winner of a cyber security bid awarded by the LTA. The inquiry was initiated following a formal complaint from Aloysius S. Zayzay, the Founder and CEO of SATZ Group of Companies, who raised concerns about the integrity of the bid evaluation process and the principles of fairness that should govern such procurements. The investigation is poised to scrutinize the actions of LTA’s then-Acting Chair, Madam Angela Cassell Bush, who chairs the International Gateway System, as she will likely be questioned regarding the selection process that led to the controversial choice of the bid recipient.
A significant issue in the investigation is the claim that only two companies, SATZ and Millennium, were present during the bid opening. Despite this, a third company was declared the winner days later, raising suspicions about the legitimacy of the award. Zayzay’s assertion that the LTA had not re-advertised the bid, coupled with the absence of adequate documentation to support this decision, has alarmed stakeholders and the public alike. These concerns have sparked a need for transparency and accountability, with the LTA’s failure to provide timely information regarding the bidding process further fueling the controversy. For over two weeks, LTA officials have resisted inquiries from the New Dawn newspaper, which has been seeking clarity on the number of bids submitted, attendance during the opening, evaluation criteria employed, and the identity of the winner. The LTA has indicated it would respond only when they deemed it appropriate, a move perceived as an attempt to sidestep accountability.
The situation has grown murkier with the emergence of leaked audio and video conversations involving senior LTA officials and at least one bidder. These recordings purportedly reveal worrying discussions that challenge the integrity of the procurement process. Internal sources have suggested that LTA leadership sought to circumvent the established bidding process by requesting no-objection clearance for a consultant who had not participated in the bidding. This consultant is expected to perform tasks similar to those outlined in the Terms of Reference for the Request for Proposal (RFP), further complicating the overall integrity of the process.
Adding to the complexities, Mr. Zayzay has brought forth several specific challenges regarding the evaluation and selection process. He cites potential violations of the evaluation criteria set forth in Section 20 of the RFP, particularly regarding the requirement for bidders to submit CVs for three key staff members. SATZ Group complied by submitting the necessary documentation, raising questions about the fairness of the evaluations conducted by the LTA. The core of the grievances lies in the perceived selective adherence to the criteria, potentially disadvantaging legitimate bidders, including Zayzay’s firm, while favoring the interests of other parties.
Given the gravity of the allegations and the potential implications for public trust in the LTA, the outcome of the hearings could embolden calls for increased oversight of procurement procedures in Liberia. Transparency and accountability have become central themes in the ongoing debate, as stakeholders demand comprehensive scrutiny of how public funds are being allocated and managed. As the hearings progress, observers will be watching closely for revelations that could further illuminate the circumstances surrounding the controversial bid award, as well as the overall state of governance within Liberia’s telecommunications sector.
Ultimately, the investigation by the PPCC serves as a critical test for the integrity of procurement processes in Liberia, with significant ramifications for future tenders and the confidence of private enterprises in engaging with public agencies. If the investigations yield substantial findings that support Mr. Zayzay’s allegations, it may pave the way for systemic reforms in how bids are evaluated and awarded, fostering a fairer competitive environment. The LTA’s response to these allegations, alongside the outcomes of the hearings, will be pivotal as Liberia grapples with the pressing need for sound governance practices and a transparent bidding culture in public sector procurement going forward.
