3 firms want to bid for AFP aircraft deal

MANILA, Philippines - At least three companies are interested to join the bidding for the acquisition of three brand new logistics aircraft for the Air Force worth P5.3 billion.

EADS CASA Air Bus Military, PT Dirgantara Indonesia (Persero) and Alenia Aermacchi had sent representatives to the pre-bid conference of the medium lift fixed wing aircraft project held last week in Camp Aguinaldo.

The three firms also bought bid documents for the project, but it remains uncertain whether they will submit offers.

The bidding for the project will be held on Oct. 14.

Once acquired, the fixed wing aircraft would improve the military’s logistics capabilities.

During the pre-bid conference, the potential bidders were reminded to review carefully their documents to satisfy requirements.

Defense Undersecretary Fernando Manalo said some companies were disqualified during previous biddings due to deficiencies in their documents.

The project will also cover an integrated logistics support for the aircraft, including training for operators of the aircraft.

To qualify, a potential bidder must have completed a similar aircraft project within five years from the submission and opening of bids.

The bids will be opened on Oct. 14 at the Department of National Defense in Camp Aguinaldo.

The bidder submitting the lowest bid will undergo a post-qualification phase to allow security officials to check their documents.

If the company offering the lowest bid satisfies all the post-qualification requirements, it may be declared the winning bidder by November.