CAAP to bid out P102-M contract for repair of inspection aircraft

MANILA, Philippines - The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) is spending P102 million to repair and rehabilitate its lone flight inspection aircraft.

(Ret.) B/Gen. Rodante Joya deputy director general of CAAP, said the amount was the approved budget for the contract for the repair and rehabilitation of CAAP flight inspection Aircraft RP2100.

Joya said the aircraft, a Super King Air B200, is needed to conduct inspection in almost all the airports nationwide.

He explained that CAAP needs at least five inspection aircraft due to the number of airports all over the country but has only one and is not working due to a busted engine.

Aside from the lack of flight inspection aircraft, Joya also cited the absence of pilots.

The flight inspection aircraft ensures a safe air navigation infrastructure as well as the integrity of instrument approaches and airway procedures.

Joya, who heads the agency’s bids and awards committee (BAC), said interested bidders have until Aug. 13 to submit their bids.

He pointed out that bids in excess of the approved budget for the contract would automatically be rejected at bid opening.

The contract is limited to companies with at least 60 percent Filipino ownership. Bidders should also have completed a similar project within the past 10 years.

Bidding would be conducted through open competitive bidding procedures using a non-discretionary pass/fail criterion as specified in the implementing rules and regulations of Republic Act 9184 or the Government Procurement Act.

CAAP, through Republic Act 9497, is tasked to establish and prescribe rules and regulations for the inspection and registration of all aircraft owned and operated in the Philippines and all air facilities.

It is also mandated to establish and prescribe the corresponding rules and regulations for the enforcement of laws governing air transportation and at the same time determine, fix charges as well as rates pertinent to the operation of public air utility facilities and services.