Artichoke can be difficult to digest. Founded in 2019, the start-up received a lucrative order for corona PCR tests at 2,900 local school sites through Federal Procurement GmbH in the summer of 2021. as the cheapest bidder. However, the Federal Administrative Court (BVwG) ruled in 2022: wrongful allocation. The Ministry of Education had to pay a fine of 500,000 euros.
The order was subsequently changed by the ministry, according to the BVwG. Order costs rose by two million euros to 15.8 million euros. It needed better test kits.
Start up up to 30 percent cheaper
There is currently still a call for applications for corona tests at schools in the autumn. Back in the running: Artichoke Computing GmbH (Covid Fighters). The “Krone” has received the offers. The start-up is up to 30 percent cheaper than its competitors. Is the next bad game on the way?
In any case, there may also be criminal consequences. A statement of the facts was received in February by the Public Prosecution Service for Economic and Corruption (WKStA). Against unknown perpetrators who represent the federal government, against Artichoke. And against the then Minister of Education, Heinz Faßmann. The WKStA says it will be checked for initial suspicion and responsibility.
Will the taxpayer have to contribute millions again?
According to insiders, Artichoke is lagging behind in quality points – but as the cheapest bidder you can make up for that. The only question is whether the taxpayer has to add millions in the event of a surcharge afterwards.
The test assignment is part of the autumn strategies. “Currently, four are being evaluated in collaboration with the Ministry of Health. The bidding process for the tests is still ongoing,” said Education Minister Martin Polaschek.
Source: Krone
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