ISLAMABAD: A $2.5 million World Bank-funded project is reportedly facing suspicions of collusive behavior due to the influential role of an individual at the Power Planning & Monitoring Company (PPMC), which serves as the “eyes and ears” of the Minister for Power, Sardar Awais Khan Leghari, it is learnt.
According to insiders, a Request for Proposal (RFP) worth $2.5 million for a three-year competitive market consultancy is currently under evaluation. Three companies—Marcados, Ginger, and MRC—have been shortlisted by the Market Operator (MO) at ISMO.
Sources claim that, based on merit, MRC is currently ranked third, Ginger is ranked first, and Marcados second. However, efforts are reportedly underway to award the contract to MRC, which was previously involved in designing the CTBCM framework. Furthermore, MRC’s local partner, AMA Energy, is owned by individuals who currently hold senior positions at PPMC.
“This is a clear conflict of interest, and if the consultancy is awarded to MRC, it would further undermine market reforms, hinder the operationalisation of CTBCM, and jeopardise the future efficient and independent evolution of the market,” the insiders said.
Potential losing bidders argue that a third party should be engaged to evaluate the RFP, or the process should be delayed until the new CEO and management team take over—allowing for an independent and transparent evaluation of proposals and awarding the contract on merit to the top-ranked consultant.
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