Problems with start-up 21-DX-how Berlin screwed up the allocation of the Corona Test points

Problems with start-up 21-DX-how Berlin screwed up the allocation of the Corona Test points

Problems with start-up 21-DX-How Berlin screwed up the allocation of the Corona Test offices

In spring 2020, Coronavirus reached Germany and triggered a pandemic. In addition to the purchase of masks and research after a vaccine, testing for the virus also played an important role in combating pandemic. In Berlin, the start-up 21dx suddenly came on the scene and took over the operation of the state-owned Corona tests on behalf of the Senate. But how could a relatively unknown start-up receive such a lucrative contract without real competition?

To answer this question, the broadcaster RBB | 24 requested the documents related to the facts from the Berlin Senate Department for Health. After more than a year of dispute, RBB | 24 The relevant emails were provided with attachments. These provide an insight into an award procedure that delayed for months and ultimately led to 21dx received the order without the offers of other providers being taken into account. This process could still be a problem for the Berlin Senate today.

In August 2020, it was decided to search for a provider of corona tests to quickly clarify suspected cases and to keep the infection figures low. An order should be awarded as quickly as possible, but there were no clear guidelines for the tender. The question of the test locations, opening times and the financing was still unclear. In the following weeks, the award procedure remained unclear, although the permission for the use of special funds was available and the requirements for testing were apparently set.

On September 10, 2020, it was found that the documents for the award procedure did not meet the requirements. There were defects and contradictions, for example with the price list for the tests. A senior employee also noticed that other departments wanted to transfer tasks and responsibility to them, even though they were not responsible for this. In another email, the ambiguities and problems became clear, among other things, there were no precise information on the tender and the costs. It was even unclear which company had to be qualified to carry out the tests.

While the number of infection rose, the award procedure continued. It was not until March 2022 that all state -owned tests were closed. The Berlin Chamber Court ruled in May 2022 that the repeated allocation of the operation of the tests at 21DX was unlawful. The award had previously received criticism from competitors, and the IT infrastructure of the start-up also had serious security deficiencies.

The question of why the decision for 21dx was ultimately made without fair competition remains open. The award chamber became active because there was a suspicion that someone had illegally received a public order here. The Berlin Senate Department for Health indicates that the employees of the crisis staff at that time no longer work in the house and it was therefore difficult to answer the questions.

The illegal allocation of the Corona Test points at 21DX has made it clear how lack of transparency and unclear procedures can lead to problems. It remains to be hoped that the administration will learn from these experiences and will ensure a fairer and regulated assignment of orders in the future.

Image source: dpa/Christophe Gateau