NOVE successfully represented AS SEBE in a dispute related to the procurement of public transport services in Pärnu County

NOVE successfully represented AS SEBE, Estonia’s leading bus transport service provider in a dispute related to the procurement of public transport services in Pärnu County during 2019–2029, organised by MTÜ Pärnumaa Ühistranspordikeskus. The lowest tender for the contract with an estimated value of EUR 22 million, submitted by a competitor was rejected for providing incorrect information regarding the distance to be travelled and the bus models offered for the service. The rejected bidder submitted a challenge that proved unsuccessful in the public procurement review committee and two instances of court. The application for cassation was rejected by the Supreme Court at the end of May, thus the decision to declare AS SEBE’s tender successful remained in force. The essence of the dispute concerned due diligence of tenderers and the limits to the contracting authority’s obligation to clarify the substance of tenders where it may jeopardize the equal treatment of tenderers. The successful tenderer was represented by NOVE’s Attorneys at Law Veiko Vaske and Veikko Puolakainen.