3 firms want to bid for AFP fuel, lubricant supply

MANILA, Philippines - Three firms have expressed interest in joining the bidding for the purchase of more than P8-billion worth of fuel and lubricants by the military, the Department of National Defense (DND) said yesterday.

DND said listed firm Petron Corp., independent oil player Seaoil Philippines, Inc. and Balayan Refilling Station bought bid documents and attended the pre-bid conference held in Camp Aguinaldo last Thursday.

“We assure a competitive and transparent bidding process. There will be a level playing field among all industry players, big or small,” DND Bids and Awards Committee chairman Assistant Secretary Ernesto Boac said in an interview.

The deadline for the submission of bids has been scheduled on Nov. 4.

The pre-bid conference served as a venue for prospective bidders to inquire about the requirements set by a technical working group formed by the military.

These include details about the contract, delivery costs, and expenses.

The DND has asked the prospective bidders to come up with a manifestation that would highlight their concerns and areas they want clarified.

The project costs P8.05 billion and will involve the one-year supply of fuel and lubricants for military aircraft and vehicles.

The procurement of fuel would entail around P5.76-billion while the acquisition of aviation petroleum oil and lubricants would cost P1.98 billion.

On the other hand, the purchase of lubricants for other vehicles would require the government to shell out P303.61 million.