TM to retain its tender requirements

“TM’S policies and processes ensure agencies that support our projects and programmes reflect the highest levels of professionalism, quality and commitment.” Telekom Malaysia Bhd

PETALING JAYA: Telekom Malaysia Bhd (TM) has acknowledge the recent concerns raised by the Association of Accredited Advertising Agents (4As) and said it will in the immediate term retain its tender requirements, which aligns with standard industry practices in tender processing.

The telco was responding to the allegations made by 4As challenging TM on its current procurement policy for shortlisting of advertising agencies, calling attention to TM’S unjustifiable tender document fee and tender deposit.

TM is currently conducting three separate tenders for the appointment of panel agencies for their “Creative Partner,” “Digital Partner” and “Below The Line Partner,” the association said.

The latest point of contention 4As said involves TM’S condition where a non-refundable tender document fee of up to RM5,000 and a refundable tender deposit of up to RM20,000 per tender is part of its tender requirement.

The 4As finds it odd that agencies today have to pay a tender document fee of between RM1,000 to RM 5,000 for the first phase of the tender process in order to be allowed to send agency information covering commercial and technical requirements such as its organisation details, case studies, conflict mitigation protocol, ethics compliance and financial documents to TM.

“All agencies who choose to submit tender documents in the first phase must also submit a refundable tender deposit to TM of between RM5,000 to RM20,000.

“Thereafter, shortlisted agencies will be invited to pick up the request for proposal and will then need to submit their customised strategy, creative work and financial proposals,” 4As said.

Meanwhile, in responding to queries regarding the claims made by the association, the telco said these tender requirements extend to all agencies, and not only those registered under 4As.

“The tender fee and tender deposit are not requirements for agencies to attend TM’S tender briefings, and agencies are also not required to purchase tender documents ahead of briefings.

“In compliance with TM’S procurement policies, agencies are only requested to sign non-disclosure agreements and non-solicitation undertakings when attending TM’S tender briefings.

“TM’S policies and processes ensure agencies that support our projects and programmes reflect the highest levels of professionalism, quality and commitment.

“Strong, scalable and resourceful partners and vendors translate to a positive impression on our customers and their experiences with our brand, solutions and services,”

TM remains committed to ensuring equal and fair opportunities, as well as transparency in all its undertakings, the telco added.