OMSA bus tender suspended by Dominican authorities

The Dominican Republic's General Directorate of Public Procurement (DGCP) has suspended a national public tender initiated by the Metropolitan Bus Service Operator (OMSA) for the acquisition of urban buses. The suspension follows the identification of preliminary substantial weaknesses and potential irregularities in the procurement process, specifically regarding the contract number OMSA S.A.-CCC-LPN-2026-0005.

Key findings from the DGCP investigation include irregularities in the terms and conditions related to the Industrialized Goods and Services Tax (ITBIS) for imported goods, a suspected irregular evaluation of economic offers, and deficiencies in the preliminary studies supporting the procedure. Additionally, the regulator noted a lack of transparency regarding the publication of administrative documents in the Electronic Public Procurement System (SECP).

The tender, which had previously been awarded to CK Trans-Motors, S.R.L., is under a precautionary measure that prevents the signing or execution of contracts until the investigation is finalized. OMSA has been granted ten business days to submit a formal defense and justification regarding the legality of the actions taken during each stage of the procurement process.