Seeking award of tender without making a bid!

29 October 2020 10:34 am Views - 822

The scene: A Tender Evaluation Committee meeting is in progress in a key government office in a country which is not yet a Banana republic. 


The chairman and the members are scrutinizing the tenders received for the supply of certain goods for a leading state-run business undertaking with a wide network of outlets. 


They all look up surprised as a stranger walks into their office room. 


The chairman (addressing the stranger): Have you been invited to this meeting?
The stranger: No. I was sent here by the son of … (he mentions the name of the political authority responsible for appointing the Tender Evaluation Committee). 


The chairman: (Highly intrigued) Why were you sent here?
The stranger:  For me to get the tender awarded!


The chairman: Have you made a bid in terms of the Tender Notice?
The stranger: No!
(The curtain falls on the scene at this stage)