Port Authority lends support to Bill 488

by Mindy Aguon

Guam - With a legal challenge filed over the award of a performance management contract, the Port Authority is in full support of Bill 488 that seeks to amend Guam law by giving the chief procurement officer discretionary participation in the PMC process.  Harbour Centre filed a protest and a lawsuit after they learned that the CPO did not participate in the procurement process.

Port general manager Enrique Agustin says the litigation has delayed the execution of the contract, which means the agency will have to eventually accelerate its procurement efforts to award the contract. He told KUAM News, "The passage of this amendment is crucial in the final award of the PMC contract although we do not want to take away from the CPO's role; we do recognize that the CPO is primarily responsible for the procurement of all materials and supplies for over 40 government agencies. This is a tremendous task and may not allow the CPO to fully participate in the procurement of the PMC."

Agustin stressed to lawmakers that they don't want any further delays and the amendment is crucial in order for the agency to meet the demands of the anticipated military buildup. The PMC would handle the management of the cargo terminal operations and maintenance of cargo handling equipment to increase efficiency and reduce costs.