Closing arguments made on telecom contract dispute

by Mindy Aguon

Guam - In the matter of the ongoing dispute over the Government of Guam's telecommunications services contract, both GTA and the General Services Agency and Pacific Data Systems gave their closing arguments today in the Superior Court of Guam.

A week ago, both parties gave opening arguments presenting evidence and witnesses to their claims. PDS president John Day says that GSA found that PDS provided the lowest responsive bid and was thus given the award. He adds the matter went before the OPA where they concluded that GSA made the right decision adding that the phone GTA proposed did not meet the specifications of the bid.

GTA's attorney, Elyze Mcdonald Iriarte, meanwhile says they argue that GTA actually offered a phone at a lower price and the government ignored it, adding after the bid was awarded to PDS, they allowed PDS to substitute its price. She said the matter was more about fairness and integrity in the procurement system saying leniency was given to PDS.

Judge Anita Sukola meanwhile says she would take the closing arguments under advisement and is expected to make a decision in about two weeks. She has further requested for transcripts of the OPA proceedings.