Selling to the Government GSA generates $60 million in contracts for businesses in Puerto Rico

During the second week of April, the General Services Administration of Puerto Rico (GSA) held its annual convention, the Purchasing Agent Trade Show, at the Roberto Clemente Coliseum in Hato Rey, Puerto Rico. This annual event is promoted as an occasion when suppliers of various goods and services can meet and greet government buyers, as well as familiarize the general public with the idea that it is good business to conduct business with the government of Puerto Rico.

This last statement might ring hollow due to the extremely bad reputation that the government has had in paying its bills on time. “That was then, and we are striving now to accelerate not only payment, but in the not too distant future, the entire bidding process as well. In this our plan calls for a bidder to submit his documentation for the government to consider buying his product or service,” says Mr. Carlos Vázquez Pesquera, administrator of the GSA. “The process is arduous, but in the long run, will expedite things dramatically.”

Mr. Vázquez Pesquera is speaking of the Registro Unico de Licitadores (RUL). RUL is an electronic directory made up of qualified, verified and economically sound individuals and corporations who pay an annual fee ($350 for individuals or $450 for corporations) to participate in the process of selling their goods or services through a bidding process.

Before the individual or corporation can compete between sellers marketing the
same product they must adhere to a close scrutiny of local government agencies
such as Hacienda, CRIM, the police department, and the Puerto Rico State Department.

Selling to the Government

GSA generates $60 million in contracts for businesses in Puerto Rico. Mr. Carlos Vázquez Pesquera announced recently he has petitioned the FBI to investigate possible corruption within the agency during the past administration. The
petition asks for the agency to look into alleged acts of corruption involving GSA personnel awarding contracts in exchange for kickbacks.

“Since the beginning of our administration this agency has complied with all federal and commonwealth laws with all parties regarding their bids to our agency,” commented Vázquez Pesquera. “It is because of this factor that we have established better and improved controls in the submission of bids processed through our agency. Let it be clear that no employee at the GSA is above the law. Our commitment is to our citizens who have given us their confidence and the opportunity to be in this position. I do not nor will I tolerate any act of corruption no matter what source it comes from during my administration,” stated Vázquez Pesquera.

He went on to say, “Our internal investigation has concluded in addition to being referred to the FBI. We are evaluating all legal aspects and disciplinary action that the law will allow. The investigation will take its course and the final consequences and those held accountable will be referred to the proper judiciary agencies and prosecuted to the full extent of the law.”

“I repeat my position to not permit any act of corruption, extortion, or bribery within my administration. This is the mandate of the governor and will be followed. The GSA will continue its goal of serving the Puerto Rican public and always observe every aspect of the law in a prompt and orderly fashion,”

concluded Vázquez Pesquera .