DND plans to buy 3 seaplanes for search, rescue missions

MANILA, Philippines - Amid ongoing relief efforts in areas hit by Super Typhoon Yolanda, the Department of National Defense (DND) is planning to acquire three brand new search and rescue seaplanes worth P2.67 billion.

A bid bulletin signed by Defense Undersecretary Fernando Manalo shows that the seaplanes “will provide general support for humanitarian assistance, disaster response and maritime search and rescue operations.”

Part of the acquisition is an integrated logistics support package, which usually includes pilot training.

The DND is inviting bidders for the project, aimed at improving the military’s humanitarian efforts.

To be qualified, a bidder should have completed within the last five years from the date of submission and receipt of bids a contract similar to the project.

The planes being offered must be used by militaries of the country where the prospective supplier originated or by the armed forces of at least two other countries.

“The goods being offered must be from the suppliers who are themselves the manufacturers,” the bid bulletin read.

The seaplanes will be acquired through open competitive bidding in line with the implementing rules and regulations of the procurement law.

A complete set of bidding documents may be bought from the Bids and Awards Secretariat at Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City for P75,000.  

It may also be downloaded from the Philippine Government Electronic Procurement System website provided that the bidder will pay for them before the submission of bids.

The deadline for the submission of bids is on Nov. 29 at 10 a.m. Offers will be opened the same day.

Bids higher than the P2.67-billion approved budget will be rejected.

The company that offers the lowest bid will proceed to the post-qualification phase, which will determine whether the planes are responsive to the needs of the military.

A notice of award will be issued if the lowest bidder satisfies the post-qualification requirements.