Government seeks company to supply next batch of LED light bulbs
The Government is looking for a company to supply additional LED light bulbs as part of continued stimulus efforts, according to a recently published request for quotation.
The Government brought in a first shipment of 150,000 of the bulbs at the end of February, although they have yet to be handed out to residents.
A request for quotation published last week on the Government’s procurement website said it was considering a further purchase — even though Walter Roban, the Minister of Home Affairs, said a decision on further purchases would not be made until the first batch had been distributed.
“This second stimulus package is to purchase and distribute the second purchase of 150,000 LED light bulbs over the coming months to the Bermuda public,” the RFQ stated.
“The scope of work covers the successful respondent supplying, storing and delivering 150,000 LED bulbs in accordance with the specification and the agreement.”
Documents included within the RFQ added: “This initiative, simple as it may seem, satisfies all three pillars of sustainability.
“It helps our people, by reducing their energy bills. It helps our economy by keeping millions of dollars on the island instead of, quite literally, burning those dollars on electricity.”
The listed submission deadline for the RFQ is April 17, with the anticipated execution date set for May 1.
In a statement in the House of Assembly in late February, Mr Roban said that the Government had shipped in an initial 150,000 LED bulbs which would be distributed “over the coming months”.
Mr Roban said that while each bulb would come at a cost to Government of $1.59, each bulb could reduce electricity bills by $37 a year.
He added that after the initial distribution, it would be gauged if a second phase of LEDs would be distributed.
Yesterday, a government spokesman said that bids from four vendors were received for the first procurement.
He added: “There have been five months since the quotes were received. The Government wanted to offer all vendors the opportunity to compete on the next phase.”
The Government has yet to provide details of how and when the existing stock of bulbs will be distributed.