DFS Group's protest denied by airport

by Mindy Aguon

Guam - The Guam International Airport Authority has denied DFS Group's protest over the specialty retail concessionaire contract. The DFS Group raised various concerns alleging there were irregularities with the procurement process. 

Lotte Duty Free Guam was awarded the bid and negotiations had begun. DFS Group however contends there were unusual delays with completing the award process and alleges that Lotte acted inappropriately during the procurement protest.  The airport thoroughly reviewed all of the concerns and denied the protest saying the Duty Free concession award was a competitive process and the airport evaluation committee engaged in a fair and deliberative process that resulted in ranking of the four proposed based on the evaluation criteria. 

GIAA instituted a procedure for the airport board's consideration and vote on the ranking results maintained the integrity and fairness of the competitive proposal process.  GIAA found the DFS protest is untimely and officials look forward to negotiating and consummating the new Duty Free concession contract with Lotte as soon as possible.