Halliburton vessel bid triggers rival protests
Despite fears of disqualification, Halliburton looks set to make it on to ONGC's list of approved bidders in a tender to hire a well stimulation vessel.
If so, ONGC can expect vociferous protests from rival contractors Schlumberger, GE (Baker Hughes), Superior Energy and AlMansoori Petroleum Services who say this is unfair because Halliburton failed to send hard copies of its bid by the June 23 deadline. Sources claim ONGC director technology and field services and incoming ONGC chairman Shashi Shanker has a "soft spot" for Halliburton and that the well services department has, under pressure from Shanker, sent a positive recommendation to the Executive Purchase Committee.
"The file has reached Delhi," says a bidder. "Let's see what the Committee decides.
We'll act accordingly." On July 31, ONGC's technical committee for this tender sent a note to the Executive Purchase Committee asking it to decide Halliburton's case. "This is favouritism," alleges a bidder.
"If the Committee accepts Halliburton's bid we'll write to the IEMs (Independent External Monitors)." Another bidder says ONGC will violate its rules by qualifying Halliburton. "Halliburton reached ONGC's office 30 minutes after the 4pm bid deadline (on June 23)," he claims.
"ONGC should disqualify them. We won't sit quietly.
We'll complain to vigilance." On August 7, Shashi Shanker told PETROWATCH he had yet to see the tender committee recommendations.
