Napocor sets new pre-bid session for Pinamucan proj

The National Power Corp. (Napocor) is set to conduct another pre-bid conference for the P535-million contract to transfer the 110-megawatt (MW) Pinamucan diesel power plant from Batangas to Dingle in Panay Island.

"We have set tentatively another pre-bid conference on Oct. 22," Napocor vice president for technical maintenance services (TMS) Danilo Sedilla told The STAR.

Sedilla said they have already conducted a pre-bid conference last Oct. 14 but there are still some remaining concerns that the potential bidders have raised.

"We need to resolve these issues first before going into the electronic bidding," he said. The bidding, through electronic means, is tentatively scheduled on Nov. 28.

According to Sedilla, two consortia and a Lopez-owned firm have expressed interest in the pre-bid conference.

He added while they anticipate no more groups to participate in the Pinamucan bidding, they expect more companies to join the pre-qualified consortia. "They are trying to tie-up with some companies that will add value to their group. It is a matter of coming up with a group that will not be disqualified," he added.

Data from the Napocor’s bids and contracts services department indicated that of the original 12 prospective bidders for the Pinamucan transfer, only three were pre-qualified.

These are the consortium of EEI Corp., EEI Realty Corp., EEI Construction & Marine Inc., and Equipment Engineers Inc.; Dingle II consortium made up of DM Consunji Inc., Home Construction Inc., Bendimil Construction & Development Corp., and Alsons Power Holdings Corp.; and First Philippine Balfour Beatty Inc. of the Lopez group of companies.

The project will involve the dismantling, hauling, transfer and installation of four 12.94-MW and four 14.63-MW diesel generator sets, auxiliary equipment and powerhouse from Pinamucan town to Dingle.

The winning bidder will also be required to supply various electro-mechanical materials and equipment needed for the safe and reliable operation of the plant after the transfer, and to undertake the construction of equipment foundations, power foundations, intrasite road networks and other plant facilities. – Donnabelle Gatdula