After 17 months of negotiations and challenges, the Costa Rican Social Security Fund (CCSS) has decided to restart the bidding process for a contract to manage 138 Ebáis (primary healthcare facilities). The original bidding process, published in 2021, was canceled at the last minute, leaving many questions unanswered.
The Canceled Bidding Process and Its Consequences
Expired Contracts and Multiple Objections
By the time the bidding process was canceled, the existing contracts had already expired. Furthermore, the contest had undergone six rounds of objections and clarifications with the Comptroller General of the Republic, delaying the process even further.
Cancellation Reasons Remain Unclear
The bidding process was halted just before receiving bids, with no technical, financial, or legal reasons provided for the cancellation. The only explanation offered was that “the bidding poster does not meet the appropriate conditions,” without elaborating on what those conditions should be.
The Contract’s Scope and Temporary Extensions
Health Areas Covered by the Contract
The contract was intended for a 4-year period to administer health services in Escazú, Santa Ana, Pavas, Desamparados 2, San Francisco-San Antonio, Tibás, La Carpio-León XIII, Barva, San Pablo, and San Sebastián-Paso Ancho.
Interim Measures to Maintain Medical Services
Since residents in the affected areas cannot be left without medical services, the CCSS was forced to extend contracts with a medical association and four cooperatives that have been providing care in those areas. These temporary extensions will last for 18 months.
Timeline for the New Bidding Process
The CCSS plans to have a new tender poster ready by April 21 and publish it in La Gaceta on June 1, signifying a fresh start to the bidding process for the management of 138 Ebáis in Costa Rica.
A Fresh Start for the Ebáis Management Contract Bidding Process
With the CCSS restarting the bidding process for managing 138 Ebáis, healthcare services in the affected regions can continue without disruption. As the new tender poster is prepared and published, stakeholders hope for a smoother process that will ultimately benefit the communities these facilities serve.
