Pujals asserts OGTIC lease contract preceded his administration

Santo Domingo.- Bartolomé Pujals, Director of the Government Office of Information and Communication Technologies (OGTIC), addressed recent concerns regarding the rental contract for OGTIC’s headquarters. Pujals clarified that the rental agreement, signed in January 2023 by his predecessor, was not initiated under his administration. However, he is committed to administrative continuity, emphasizing that the contract is essential for supporting the Dominican Republic’s Digital Government strategy. The contract includes the rental of five floors and common areas in the Vista 311 Corporate Building, allowing OGTIC to serve over 530 state institutions and manage a Government Contact Center that handles around 2.3 million calls annually.

Pujals detailed the contract terms, stating that OGTIC pays RD$8,025,170.20 monthly, plus ITBIS and maintenance for ten years. This includes fully furnished floors, security, lighting, and essential services, all at a competitive market rate. He underscored that the contract was negotiated transparently by OGTIC’s Purchasing and Contracting Committee and aligns with the 2022 regulations from the Comptroller General and the Directorate of Purchasing and Contracting. The rental arrangement ensures funds remain within public institutions, promoting accountability and transparency.

Additionally, Pujals highlighted the benefits of the “turnkey” model used in GOB Points, which deliver rapid, efficient services without major initial investments. Over two years, five GOB Points have provided services to over 2 million citizens, saving RD$140 million in direct costs for citizens and RD$216 million in institutional rent savings, totaling RD$356 million annually. Pujals reaffirmed his commitment to transparency and responsible resource management for the Dominican people.