PNP set to issue 'notice to proceed' with delivery of 9mm pistols

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine National Police is set to issue “notice to proceed” with the delivery of the first batch of 59,904 units of 9mm pistols worth P1.198 billion after PNP chief Director General Nicanor Bartolome signed the supply contract for the deal.

“This particular procurement program, the biggest in recent years and most advantageous for government, shall henceforth set the standard for transparency and accountability in future procurement programs,” Bartolome said.

PNP spokesman Chief Superintendent Generoso Cerbo Jr. said the PNP will give certificate of “notice to proceed” to Trust Trade that has a joint venture with Glock, the supplier of 9mm Glock 17 Generation 4.

Cerbo said the first delivery of 12,000 of the 59,904 pistols is expected to be made in February.

Deputy Director General Emelito Sarmiento, PNP Bids and Awards Committee chairman, said the delivery period is 570 days for the entire order.

“The first tranche will be within 150 days – 12,000 units, second tranche is within 120 days, third tranche is within 120 days, 4th and 5th tranche within 90 days,” said Sarmiento.

Bartolome said the deal is considered a landmark supply contract for police handguns under the P1.198-billion procurement deal funded by a combined 2011-2012 Capability Enhancement Program (CEP) appropriation.

He noted that the development was the long-awaited solution to the perennial problem of lack of mission-essential basic police equipment in the PNP.

Bartolome extended the commendation of President Aquino and Interior Secretary Manuel Roxas II to the PNP Bids and Awards Committee (BAC), including the proponents and participating bidders that made the landmark procurement possible.

He gave assurance that proceedings in the bidding were consistent with provisions of the revised Implementing Rules and Regulations of Republic Act 9184 or the Government Procurement Reform Act, contained in the Handbook on Philippine Government Procurement.