The bidding to select a contractor for construction for the Maporo District 5, Zone 2 redevelopment project in Seoul, which includes "Chungjeong Apartment," known as Korea's first apartment, failed. After Doosan Engineering & Construction Co. was disqualified for failing to submit some bid documents, leaving only a single bid by Namkwang Engineering & Construction, the process reportedly did not meet competition requirements and was ultimately voided. The association plans to issue a new tender notice and restart the process to select a contractor for construction.
According to the Maporo District 5, Zone 2 Redevelopment Association on the 19th, the bidding to select a contractor for construction held on the 12th failed. Doosan Engineering & Construction Co. and Namkwang Engineering & Construction participated in the bid. However, Doosan Engineering & Construction Co. reportedly omitted the "quantity takeoff statement" specified in the bidding guidelines distributed at the site briefing, rendering the bid invalid.
The association said, "If additional disputes arise while determining whether Doosan Engineering & Construction Co.'s document omission was intentional, there are concerns the project delay could be prolonged," adding, "We concluded it as a failed bid due to a single bid without separate sanctions." Additional disadvantage measures, such as restricting Doosan Engineering & Construction Co. from rebidding, are reportedly not under review.
The Maporo District 5, Zone 2 redevelopment includes "Chungjeong Apartment," known as Korea's first apartment, completed in 1937. Regardless of the project's size, this redevelopment with high symbolic value began the process of selecting a contractor for construction last year. However, the project has not gone smoothly, with some construction companies abruptly dropping out and the competitive structure collapsing.
The association plans to issue a new tender notice and restart the process to reselect a contractor for construction.
However, Doosan Engineering & Construction Co. countered, saying, "We completed the bid by fully preparing the documents within the prescribed procedures and deadlines in accordance with the bidding guidelines and required submission documents presented by the association." Doosan Engineering & Construction Co. explained, "On the day of bidding, the document verification procedure was conducted in the presence of representatives of both companies and association officials, and we confirmed during the process that there were no missing documents, were informed that the submission was processed normally, and that the bid was validly completed."
Doosan Engineering & Construction Co. added, "As far as we have confirmed to date, the association's official letter indicates the intent of 'one company's document omission,' but appears not to specify a particular contractor," and "To clarify the facts, Doosan Engineering & Construction Co. has requested the association's official confirmation on 'identifying the documents deemed omitted, the basis for the determination, and the verification and resolution procedures.'"