Kidapawan invites BOT partners for ICT project

The city government of Kidapawan is inviting all interested bidders to apply for pre-qualification and participate in the bidding for its information and communications technology project under the build-operate-transfer (BOT) scheme.

Kidapawan City is the major commercial center of Cotabato province in Northern Mindanao. It is one of five local government units (LGUs) which plan to engage private sector participation to implement their ICT projects.

Kidapawan City takes its cue from the Cavite City government, which recently shortlisted its pre-qualified bidders and is now issuing its request for BOT proposals.

The three other LGUs are the cities of Roxas, Koronadal and Calapan.

Four of these five LGUs have individually signed a technical assistance agreement with the former Coordinating Council for Private Sector Participation (CCPSP), recently reorganized into the BOT Center.

The technical assistance from the BOT Center involves assessment of the existing computerization of local government operations; development of an information system strategic plan; preparation of bid documents and bid evaluation; guidance on the BOT bidding process; and in securing approval from government approving bodies.

The BOT Center designed last year an IT systems plan aimed at computerizing all the major processes and operations of LGUs.

The IT systems plan is specifically designed to guide LGUs in maximizing the potential of computer-based systems in improving government operations and increasing revenues. Interested LGUs may contact the BOT Center for assistance.

The BOT Center is a unit attached to the Department of Trade and Industry and mandated by Republic Act 7718, otherwise known as the BOT Law, to coordinate and monitor infrastructure projects implemented under the BOT program.