An internal case at Nucleoeléctrica Argentina (NASA) has led to a review of its procedures. The complaint was filed by the manager of the Atucha I-II Nuclear Power Plant, Juan Pablo Nolasco Sáenz, who challenges the bidding process for cleaning services, warning of offers that are up to 140% higher than the current amounts paid by the state-owned company. Of the nine companies that submitted bids, only two initially met the eligibility requirements: La Mantovana Servicios Generales and LX Argentina. The latter already provides services within the Atucha complex, which, according to internal sources, may have facilitated direct contact with personnel and pressure tactics. The complaint describes communications and actions that, in the claimant's view, were aimed at forcing the preparation of favorable economic reports. The company defended itself by stating that its offered prices are within market values established by the General Audit Office of the Nation (SIGEN) and accused the complainant of basing their presentation on partial information, damaging the reputation of third parties. LX Argentina also warned that changes introduced by the current management to the eligibility requirements could be creating entry barriers and steering the process towards a reduced number of bidders. The complaint added an element of tension by mentioning a protest by the SOMRA union at the entrance to Atucha I and II on the same day the complaint was filed with the Integrity Committee, a coincidence the complainant found notable in the absence of prior formal grievances. NASA confirmed that the bidding process is under review and that the Integrity Committee has requested additional reports from the Supply and Contract Management Department. However, days later, a third firm, Limpiolux, was included in the process despite not having passed the corresponding technical evaluation, raising initial alarms. The focus of the questioning is on the economic evaluation stage. Although this was the 'cheapest' proposal, it was 140% more expensive than the current service. In this context, the complaint alleges that the process was being steered to favor LX Argentina, a company with a controversial history, contracts with the Buenos Aires City Government, and previous ties to the 'fake donors' scandal of the 2019 Cambiemos campaign. While management highlights record generation, operational improvements, and positive economic results for 2025, the complaint before the Integrity Committee revealed that behind the numbers, disputes, suspicions, and an open struggle for control of one of the state's most sensitive strategic assets persist.
