Smartmatic poised to bag P11.3-B poll automation project

MANILA, Philippines - The consortium of Smartmatic and Total Information Management (TIM) Systems has virtually bagged the P11.3-billion contract for the computerization of the 2010 elections. Ferdinand Rafanan, the bids and awards committee chairman of Commission on Elections (Comelec), said they are about to sign the recommendation to have the consortium declared as winner by the poll body's en banc. “It’s just our signature that is missing because we have to sign the recommendation," Rafanan told reporters on Tuesday. He said they are just waiting for the technical working group to finish the report, which would be the basis for the recommendation. Smartmatic, a Netherland-based firm, entered a P7.2-billion bid offer for the poll automation project. It was lower by almost P4 billion from the price ceiling set by Comelec. Rafanan said Smartmatic/TIM had successfully complied with all of the requirements and criteria of the Comelec. He said the consortium’s machines also passed the 26 criteria set by the committee. “We tested the machines and all the 26 criteria were successfully hurdled by their machines," he said. The partnership will supply about 82,200 Precinct Count Optical Scanners (PCOS). Rafanan said he is also optimistic that the en banc would agree to their recommendations in selecting the Smartmatic/TIM joint venture. “Of course we cannot preempt the Commission en banc. It’s entirely their discretion. What we recommend, the en banc may approve or disapprove. We are very optimistic and we have been praying for this and this is it," he said. - GMANews.TV