DGCA under fire over KD200m tender

21/04/2025

KUWAIT CITY, April 21: The Directorate General for Civil Aviation’s (DGCA) tender documents for the supply, installation and operation of a passenger registration and early information system for border security have raised serious concerns over a potential conflict of interest. Sources told the daily that the documents included specifications and references that align closely with the systems and equipment of a company participating in the bid; suggesting the tender may have been tailored to favor that company.

Sources said the tender is intended to award a specialized firm a comprehensive 10-year contract to manage, operate and provide training for the passenger system, with an estimated project value ranging from KD150 million to KD200 million. Sources revealed that the documents contain technical terminology and product descriptions uniquely associated with one of the bidders. “In a further indication of bias, the documents also featured direct links to the company’s services to clarify certain requirements and definitions, raising red flags among other participants,” sources said.