DND to buy 3 flight simulators

MANILA, Philippines - The Defense department will acquire three units of flight simulators for P246.43 million to hone the skills of Air Force pilots.

Defense Assistant Secretary Efren Fernandez said the project would “allow pilots an almost full sensory experience that can aid in improving flight instruction, enhancing proficiency.”

Fernandez, who heads the Bids and Awards Committee, said the simulators would also minimize risks associated with emergency procedures training, reduce accidents and lessen operational and maintenance costs.

Conducting training through simulators is less costly than using air assets, which will require fuel.

The Defense department is now inviting companies to join the bidding to be held on September 19.

The acquisition will be conducted through open competitive bidding as prescribed by the implementing rules of the procurement law. The funds for the project will come from the Armed Forces of the Philippines Modernization Act Trust Fund.

The deadline for the submission of bids will be on September 19 at 10 a.m. The bids will be opened and will be examined by the Bids and Awards Committee on the same day.

Late bids and those that are higher than the approved budget of P246 million will be rejected.

The qualified bidder that offered the lowest price would advance to the post-qualification phase to determine if its offer suits the needs of the Air Force. The bidder must satisfy all requirements before it can be declared the winner.

Interested firms may buy bid documents for the project worth P50,000 from the Bids and Awards Committee Secretariat in Camp Aguinaldo.

The Defense department will hold a pre-bid conference on Sept. 5 to provide prospective bidders more information about the project.

The Air Force has about five simulators in its inventory. – Alexis Romero