2. The AGO noted that in one tender evaluation, scores took into account documentation from a tenderer’s subsidiary to evaluate the company’s overall capabilities, even though the role of the subsidiary had not been specified in the tenderer’s submission. MPA has since updated its evaluation protocols to allow capabilities of entities within the tenderers’ group to be considered, provided these are clearly declared in the tender documents.

3. The AGO also highlighted six operational service contracts in which payments were made without adequate checks to verify that services had been delivered as required. MPA has since reviewed and confirmed service delivery for each of the six contracts through logs and supporting records. MPA has also put in place measures to ensure proper checks and verification of supporting documentation are done before future payments are approved.

4. MPA acknowledges the AGO’s observation that MPA has been collecting fees for marine dumping and monitoring services without formally prescribing them in legislation. The dumping fees had been charged by the then-Port of Singapore Authority and had continued when MPA assumed responsibility for the offshore dumping grounds when MPA was established in 1996. The monitoring fees were charged after MPA was established. The fees support the management of dumping activities and ensure materials are deposited at designated sites. These materials are mainly excavated materials from land and marine construction and maintenance works, including for national projects. MPA is taking steps to amend legislation to address the issue, and to give legal effect for past fees collected. 

5. The AGO also noted that MPA has implemented two types of port dues concessions without formally prescribing them in legislation. These concessions are for vessels under the Annual and Six-month Port Dues Schemes, and harbour and pleasure craft owned by government agencies, schools, institutions of learning, and non-profit organisations. MPA introduced these concessions to support Singapore’s maritime competitiveness and the needs of the public sector and community-related users, respectively. MPA is reviewing these schemes and will prescribe them in law if these concessions are continued.

6. MPA remains committed to the public service’s principles of good financial governance, fiscal accountability, and prudent management of public monies. MPA will also strengthen its internal controls as part of its broader commitment to upholding public trust and operational excellence.