TNI Bureau: Serious allegations of irregularities have surfaced over the procurement of 700 desktop computers for the Odisha Police through the Government e-Marketplace (GeM). A private firm has submitted a detailed complaint to the Director General of Police (DGP), alleging the use of forged and invalid documents and manipulation of the bidding process.

According to the complaint, a Kolkata-based private company participated in the tender representing the HP brand and submitted a Vendor Assessment Report issued by Acer India Private Limited. However, the report submitted had already expired, and was allegedly renewed later, raising questions about its validity. The use of such documents has been described as fraudulent.

The complaint further states that the Vendor Assessment Report, along with the financial evaluation report and other disputed documents, has been submitted to the DGP, seeking immediate intervention.

The issue relates to Bid No. GEM/2005/B/6417668, published on July 12, 2005, for the purchase of 700 desktop computers. While 33 bidders participated in the tender, only six bidders—three representing HP and three representing Dell—were declared technically qualified. This, the complainant alleges, indicates that eligibility conditions and bid evaluation were pre-determined to restrict competition.

It has also been alleged that the quoted prices were significantly higher than prevailing market rates. Although submission of Earnest Money Deposit (EMD) was mandatory for the tender, one HP bidder was allegedly allowed to participate by uploading only a Vendor Assessment Report instead of furnishing the required EMD. In contrast, several MSME bidders, despite submitting Vendor Assessment Reports, were declared disqualified.

The complaint names Netcom Infotech Private Limited, based in the Sarat Bose Road area of Kolkata, as one of the companies that participated using an HP brand Vendor Assessment Report from Acer India, which was valid only until June 30, 2025.

Raising concerns over transparency and fairness, Rajesh Kumar, proprietor of Deeksha IT Solution, has urged the DGP to order a thorough investigation into the alleged irregularities and to cancel the bid process if violations are confirmed.