Bidder wants probe of Dominican Republic-Kentucky coal-fired plant deal

Santo Domingo.- One of the companies taking part in the tender to build two coal-fired plants on Tuesday asked the Government Purchasing Office to suspend the process, investigate breach of contract disputes, the financial situation of the company Tecnimont, and clarify possible recent business ties between the construction company Odebrecht and the consultant Stanley, hired to evaluate the submitted technical bids.

In a document disclosed on Tuesday, the company POSCO says it has "information suggesting the existence of business relations" between Odebrecht and Stanley Consultants, contracted by the State-owned Electric Utility (CDEEE).

Odebrecht, from Brazil and Tecnimont, from Italy formed a consortium for the tenders.

POSCO said the alleged links stem from arrangements by Odebrecht to acquire a coal-fired power plant in Kentucky, to be sold to the CDEEE, a process in which it affirms involved two Stanley engineers who are now part of the consultant’s team sent to tale part in the technical evaluation; Larry Shell and Steven Schebler, who was introduced as Vice President of Stanley.