Indonesian firm eligible for Navy ships deal

MANILA, Philippines - An Indonesian company has been declared eligible to bid for the supply of two Navy vessels for $86,980,000 or about P3.864 billion, the only entity to qualify.

However, PT PAL Indonesia (Persero) still has to satisfy some post-qualification requirements.

A bidder can only be declared winner if it has received a notice of award from the Department of National Defense (DND).

The strategic sealift vessels can transport a large number of soldiers, logistics equipment and supplies.

Nine companies purchased bid documents for the project but only two, PT PAL and South Korea’s Daewoo International, joined the bidding.

The seven firms that expressed interest in the project but did not submit offers were Propmech Corp., the joint venture between Astartez Defense and Rescue Solution Co. and Coastal Industries Pse. Ltd., Larsen & Toubro, Stone of David Tactical Equipment, STX Offshore Shipbuilding Co., Keppel Philippines Marine, Inc., and PT Citra Shipyard.

Daewoo International was declared ineligible to bid after the Bids and Awards Committee (BAC) found that its proposal did not comply with some mission essential requirements, according to the Navy’s technical working group.

However, Daewoo will ask the BAC to reconsider its decision. It has until today to explain in writing why it should not be disqualified.

If the BAC does not reverse its decision, PT PAL’s proposal would undergo the post-qualification phase to determine if it is suitable to the needs of the Navy.

BAC chairman Defense Assistant Secretary Efren Fernandez told The STAR the post-qualification phase will be held this month.

A notice of award may be issued by the end of the month if PT PAL meets all the post-qualification requirements.

The government is also acquiring eight attack helicopters and two frigates to enhance the Navy’s capabilities.

Anglo-Italian firm AugustaWestland, the lone bidder for the attack helicopter acquisition project, offered to supply the eight helicopters for P3,441,415,000, slightly lower than the approved budget of P3,441,460,000.

The DND is now reviewing the company’s bid.

The government has allotted P18 billion for the purchase of two frigates to boost the Navy’s maritime defense capability.

Companies from Spain, South Korea, Australia and Singapore have expressed interest to join the bidding for the project, Defense Undersecretary Fernando Manalo said.