Governments rush to issue airports direct contracts

THE EXITING government is making a last minute rush to issue direct contracts at Panama's airports before the door closes.

 In 2010 Tocumen, S.A. – the state company that manages the terminal – issued two resolutions which introduced a modality to granting concessions: "direct procurement by invitation," which is applicable to all aeronautical and support services.

Under this modality, the board of directors – chaired by Minister of Economy and Finance Frank de Lima – has the power to do public offerings or direct contracts.
Now – three weeks until the change of government – the board has decided to make extensive "direct procurements" at the other terminals that are now under the administration of Tocumen, S.A.: the Enrique Malek Airport in David, Scarlet Martínez Airport in Rio Hato and Enrique Jiménez Airport in Colón, as well as the facility in Panama Pacifico.
The new resolution was signed on March 12, but only made public on Friday, June 6 when it was published in the Government Gazette. It carries the signature of De Lima and Secretary Henri Mizrachi reports La Prensa.
The document stresses that when an "interested party" proposes a commercial activity, it may be awarded directly.
It only needs to present a formal request in writing, obtain the endorsement of the general manager of Tocumen, S.A. and the board, and be endorsed by the comptroller.
Direct contracts are also justified when "there is insufficient time to carry out a tendering procedure."
Concessions given by the Board of Directors are "final and un-appealable, and therefore cannot be revoked," the resolution states.