Gov’t to argue `national security’ to cover ID card contract

The Government is insisting that it sought the approval of the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB) regarding its sole-sourcing of the US$34 million e-governance contract while asserting that it was a project under national security, sources say.

However, former Auditor General, Anand Goolsarran says that while sole-sourcing is catered for under national emergencies and national security, the awarding of the contract facilitated by United Arab Emirates’ (UAE) Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed al Maktoum and for electronic cards and therefore does not qualify. He still believes that the contract violates the Procurement Act.