The cabinet committee on public purchase yesterday approved a French company’s tender proposal for the implementation of Bangabandhu Satellite project-1 involving TK2,967 crore.
Thales Alenia Space, a Franco-Italian aerospace manufacturer, will install the satellite – the first ever in Bangladesh.
Once the satellite is launched into orbit, it is expected to eventually help the country save $14m annually. The government can also earn by renting the satellite.
A three-member evaluation committee has reportedly finalised the winner after evaluating bidding documents for the implementation of Bangabandhu satellite project, according to sources in Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission.
In June, four international companies – Great Wall Industry Corporation of China, MDA Corporation, Thales Alenia Space and Orbital ATK from USA – participated in the tender process of the installation and post-installation support services for launching the satellite.
On condition of anonymity, a high-up of the BTRC told the Dhaka Tribune that even though MDA Corporation of Canada had the lowest bid of $222.75m, it did not win the tender because of some inconsistencies in the price quoted in the tender.
The official said MDA mentioned additional equipment that were not included in the price, meaning the government would have to pay for those equipment later. So if the government selected MDA, it would be a costlier move than picking the second-lowest bidder.
Considering all facts, the committee reportedly selected Thales Alenia Space, who had the second-lowest bid of $248m.
Bangladesh has already signed a deal with Russia-based Intersputnik for taking lease of an orbital slot. The government is hoping to launch the satellite by the end of 2017, but officials say the deadline is likely to be missed.
The estimated cost of the project is Tk2,967 crore, out of which around Tk1,652 crore will be provided by the winning bidder, while the rest will be paid by the government.
