The Ministry of Transport and Communications has cancelled a public procurement tender for the supply of ten new biodiesel-powered trains, with a total estimated value of €248 million (BGN 485 million), excluding value-added tax. The decision was recorded on January 14 in the public procurement register of the Centralized Automated Electronic Public Procurement Information System, reports Bulgarian News Agency.
The ministry had planned to procure 20 passenger trains capable of operating on biodiesel as well as conventional diesel fuel. The tender launched last July covered the first batch of ten trains. However, when bids were opened, only one company had submitted an offer. Slovak firm ZOS Vrutky a.s. was the sole bidder, proposing a contract value of €67.5 million, or about BGN 132 million.
Responding to an inquiry from the Bulgarian News Agency, the ministry said the Public Procurement Act permits the cancellation of a procedure when there is only a single bidder. It said the decision was taken to safeguard competition and ensure public funds are used efficiently.
The ministry said it would review options for launching a new tender under revised conditions aimed at attracting a wider range of potential suppliers.
