DOTC defers bid for MRT deal

MANILA, Philippines -The Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) has delayed anew the submission of qualification documents for the bidding of a contract worth P713 million to maintain the operations of the Metro Rail Transit 3 (MRT3) for a period of one year.

DOTC Undersecretary Jose Perpetuo Lotilla, issued General Bid Bulletin 002-2013 deferring the submission and opening of bids for the MRT3 temporary maintenance provider to May 24 instead of May 16.

Lotilla said the delay was caused by the revision of the bidding documents for the project prompting the agency to give interested parties more time to prepare their bid documents.

“Several sections of the document have been amended, therefore, in order to give ample time for the bidders to study and prepare their bidding documents, the opening and submission of bids for the project is moved to May 24,” Lotilla said.

The deadline for the submission of bids was originally set for April 15 but was postponed to May 16 to give the bidders more time to prepare for a competitive tender.

The government has set aside P712.77 million for the procurement of MRT3 system maintenance provider.

“To ensure that the MRT3 system operates under safe running conditions with on-time and reliable performance in providing convenience to all passengers, while on one hand effectively maintains cost at a minimum level with a reliable system, the DOTC-MRT3 is inviting bidders for a one-year maintenance service provider contract for MRT3,” the agency said.

The DOTC pointed out that the mass rail transit system is the cornerstone of the agency’s integrated strategy to alleviate chronic traffic congestion along EDSA.

The 17-kilometer MRT 3 from North Ave.in Quezon City to Taft Ave. in Pasay City ferry about 600,000 passengers a day or way above its original design capacity of 350,000 passengers a day.

Last October, the DOTC awarded a contract for the maintenance of the MRT3 to PH Trams-CB&T JV. The interim maintenance provider of the MRT 3 is for six months while it conducts the procurement process for a regular maintenance provider for the train line.