DND to purchase 2 fix-wing planes for AFP

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of National Defense (DND) is procuring two fix-wing aircraft worth P814,000 million in line with its upgrade capability and modernization programs for the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

Undersecretary Fernando Manalo of the DND special bids and awards committee said that the two aircraft have integrated logistic support capabilities and can operate in a high-risk environment.

Manalo said the fund earmarked for the acquisition of the two fixed wing planes would be sourced from the General Appropriation Act (GAA) and the AFP Modernization act Trust Fund.

He added that interested bidders must have completed a similar project within the last five years and winners are required to deliver the aircraft within 548 calendar days from the opening of the letter of credit (LC).

The pre-bid conference will held at 10 a.m. in August 9 at the DND bidding and awards committee conference at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City.

Manalo said bidding documents can be acquired from P75,000 with bid opening scheduled on August 23.

Aside from the two fixed-wing aircraft, the DND is also acquiring two Service Support Vessels (SSVs) for P4 billion, on top of the big ticket items including combat attack and anti-submarine helicopter, lead-in fighter jets, and two brand-new frigates.

These programmed acquisitions are expected to be completed and delivered to the AFP before the term of President Aquino ends in 2016.