KUWAIT CITY, Sept 14: According to informed sources at Kuwait International Airport, the State Audit Bureau recently approved a contract worth KD 605,000 between the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and an international company for three years for the provision of operational and technical support to the airport’s meteorological radar system. DGCA also secured approvals from the Central Agency for Public Tenders (CAPT) and the Ministry of Finance for the contract.

However, the State Audit Bureau’s approval came with a stipulation that the company’s letter detailing quantities and modified prices must be included as an integral part of the contract documents. The State Audit Bureau also required DGCA to confirm the suitability and competitiveness of the prices offered by the company and ensure they are in line with the current market rates.

Prompt initiation of procedures for the design, manufacture, and installation of the new weather radar system was urged without delays in presenting the matter to them. The State Audit Bureau had criticized the delay in contracting with DGCA, which took 44 days after CAPT issued its decision to award the contract before presenting it to the bureau, stressing that this delay necessitates a review of the administrative procedures and policies followed within the entity. All future meetings between DGCA and the contracting company are to be documented with meeting minutes. The sources revealed that the international company selected for the contract has extensive global experience in designing, manufacturing, selling, and maintaining radar systems, sensors, and advanced solutions in the fields of meteorology, hydrology, and aviation.