IMM reveals the truth: 5-point response to open tender allegations

The Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (IMM) continues its information series titled "Lies and Truths" in response to allegations that have recently caused public debate.

Following the operation conducted on March 19, the IMM has been issuing regular statements in accordance with the principle of transparency to address "corruption" and "irregularity" allegations raised in certain media outlets and on social media. The latest of these statements, aimed at combating disinformation, was shared with the public today.

In the latest statement, a 5-point response was provided to various allegations raised regarding an open tender process.

The latest statement is as follows:

Lie 1:

"The Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (IMM) could not find a company in Istanbul to do this job and awarded the tender to a company from Hakkari."

Truth 1:

The tender was conducted openly to everyone in accordance with Public Procurement Law No. 4734. As required by law, no province-based restrictions can be imposed. All companies within the borders of the Republic of Turkey can participate in the tender, provided they meet the requirements.

Lie 2:

"IMM is constantly giving work to the same company."

Truth 2:

The winning company, Eylül İnşaat Gıda Kozmetik San. ve Tic. Ltd. Şti., is working with the IMM for the first time. The company has previously worked with local governments and public institutions in places such as Hakkari, Van, Antalya, and Tuzla. It possesses a work experience certificate in accordance with the specifications.

Lie 3:

"It is clear that the IMM chose a specific company for this tender."

Truth 3:

The tender was held on 24.02.2025 using the open tender method; a total of 4 companies participated, and Eylül İnşaat won the tender with the lowest valid bid of 141,942,208 TL + VAT. The estimated cost was determined to be 231,957,420 TL. The company signed the contract on 11.03.2025 in accordance with the procedure, and the duration of the work was set at 296 days.

Lie 4:

"IMM is spending this huge budget just for the purchase of syrupy desserts."

Truth 4:

The tender covers not only syrupy desserts but also products such as bakery items, fresh pastries, and frozen cakes. In other words, this tender is a procurement that includes a wide range of food products to be served in IMM facilities throughout the year.

Lie 5:

"IMM rushed this tender because it knew Ekrem İmamoğlu would be detained."

Truth 5:

Such allegations are entirely speculative.

• Hakkari tender: 24.02.2025

• Contract date: 11.03.2025

• Similar tender in Muş: 28.02.2025

• Ekrem İmamoğlu's detention date is March 19: Mid-March

Each of the tenders was planned within the framework of the standard public procurement calendar.

Before a tender is held, there are stages such as calculating the estimated cost, obtaining a tender registration number, preparing administrative and technical specifications, preparing the tender announcement, sending the announcement to the Public Procurement Authority (KİK), publishing the announcement, and conducting the tender. At least two months are needed to complete these stages.