Transgaz bosses will receive latest generation iPhones. Which company won the tender that displeased Ciolacu

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​Except from Ciolacu’s reduction of budget expenses, Transgaz completed the tender for the purchase of iPhones and last-generation Android phones, a procedure with which the prime minister showed his dissatisfaction and asked for explanations. Since Ciolacu did not say anything, Transgaz continued the auction, and this month awarded the contract to Dante International, the company that owns eMAG.ro, the largest online trading platform in the country.

Sterian Ion, head of TransgazPhoto: Inquam Photos / George Călin

Transgaz, the national gas carrier in which the state is the majority shareholder, concluded the contract with the company that owns eMAG.ro on February 14, 2024 and has a total value of over 1.38 million lei (without VAT), according to data from The Electronic System of Public Procurement (SEAP).

For this amount, coming from Transgaz’s own funds, Dante International will have to deliver a maximum of 735 telephones in the next 18 months, of which a maximum of 80 latest generation iPhones, terminals necessary for employees to solve work tasks.

Transgaz received three offers at this auction from AS Computer Craiova, Dante International (eMAG.ro) and Union Co.

How Transgaz explained why it buys the latest iPhones and who will use them

The latest generation iPhones and Android phones requested by Transgaz will be used by the company’s management, being necessary to ensure the security of communications in strategic investment projects, which also require access to hard-to-reach areas, but also for communication with the Transgaz subsidiary in the Republic Moldova, Transgaz management stated for HotNews.ro at the end of last year.

The company emphasized that, being listed on the stock exchange, it is exempted from Law 296/2023 on fiscal measures and budget expenditure reduction, by which public institutions and economic operators in which the state is the majority shareholder are prohibited from purchasing mobile phones with prices higher than 500 lei/device, while the monthly subscription cannot exceed 35 lei.

According to the company’s report, on June 30, 2023, the company’s executive management was provided by 34 directors. At the same date, Transgaz had a total of 3,961 employees.

How many phones did Transgaz buy? The management of the company is provided by 34 directors

The tender launched by Transgaz concerned the signing of a framework agreement for 18 months, a contract with an estimated value of over 1.46 million lei (without VAT), a purchase financed from own funds.

The tender notice stated that, after the award of the framework agreement, 3 subsequent contracts per year would be signed.

The maximum quantity of phones expected to be delivered throughout the duration of the framework agreement is 735 units, while the maximum quantity of a follow-on contract will be 125 units.

Transgaz requested 7 types of iOS and Android phones launched on the market in 2023, and the technical data, from the specifications, show that the first three types of phones are latest generation iPhones. (maximum 80 terminals in the 18 months).

Ciolacu, after the launch of the Transgaz tender: I’m sorry that I exempted them from the reductions in expenses

Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu was annoyed by the fact that Transgaz launched a tender for the purchase of latest generation iPhones.

“I told the director that I’m sorry for exempting them (from the law on new taxes and spending cuts). I rely on the common sense of each unit leader. I am waiting for an answer”, Prime Minister Ciolacu said on November 23, 2023.