DOTC to rebid P50-M consultancy contract for MRT 3

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) is rebidding a P50-million contract to tap a consultant for the rehabilitation and capacity expansion of the ageing Metro Rail Transit line 3 (MRT-3).

The DOTC-Metro Rail Transit 3 (DOTC-MRT3) yesterday published a Request for Expression of Interest inviting interested companies to provide consultancy services for the MRT-3 system along EDSA.

“The DOTC-MRT3 now calls for the submission of Expression of Interest and eligibility documents for the services of a consultant for the MRT3 system,” the agency said.

The agency has earmarked P50 million under the General Appropriations Act of 2015 to finance consultancy services providing any and all assistance and guidance in all matters of the operations and maintenance of the mass transit system.

The winning consultant would also extend assistance in the conceptualization, procurement, and implementation of any and all programs and projects for MRT-3.

The DOTC is set to hold a pre-eligibility conference on March 12 and interested companies are given until March 25 to submit their eligibility documents.

The agency’s Bids and Awards Committee (BAC) would draw up the short list of not more than five prospective bidders in accordance with the provisions of Republic Act 9184 or the Government Procurement Reform Act. Interested companies must collect a minimum weighted score of 70 points to qualify for short listing.

“Should less than the required number apply for eligibility and short listing pass the eligibility check, and/or pass the minimum score required in short listing, the  BAC shall consider the same,” the agency said.

The bidding of the consultancy services contract was published last Jan. 23 wherein interested bidders were given until Feb. 6 to submit their qualification documents. The deadline was later moved to Feb. 25.

However, DOTC spokesperson Michael Arthur Sagcal said the BAC declared a failed bidding after only two bidders showed up during the submission of qualification documents last Feb. 25.

“Our BAC received two submissions, however, one bidder lacked certain requirements as a result of failing to review one of the bid bulletins issued by BAC,” he said.

On the other hand, Sagcal pointed out that the other bidder withdrew its submission.

“We see interest in providing the consultancy services, and expect these groups to comply with our requirements in the rebid,” he added.