DND to buy more assets for Air Force

MANILA, Philippines - The Defense department has started the procurement process for two long-range patrol aircraft and six close air support aircraft as part of the efforts to boost the capabilities of the Air Force.

Bid bulletins released by the agency show that the long range patrol aircraft acquisition project has an approved budget of P5.98 billion while the close air support aircraft cost P4.97 billion.

The funding for the two projects will come from the Armed Forces Modernization Program stipulated in a law signed by President Aquino in 2012.

To be qualified, bidders of the long range patrol and close air support aircraft should have completed within 10 years from the submission of bids contracts similar to the projects.

The air assets being offered should be used by their country of origin or by the militaries of at least two countries.

Complete sets of documents may be bought from the Defense department Bids and Awards Committees for P75,000 for each project.

The documents may be also be downloaded from the website of the Philippine Government Electronic Procurement System but bidders should pay for them before the submission of bids.

The two long-range patrol aircraft to be acquired will include sensors, sensors integration, mission support facilities, and integrated logistics support package.

“It (acquisition of long range patrol aircraft) will have a positive impact. Right now, our conduct of maritime patrol is limited,” Air Force spokesman Lt. Col. Enrico Canaya said in an interview.

“We have been looking forward to have such capability so it is a welcome development. We are happy that it is now in the bidding stage,” he added.

The bidding for the project will be conducted through a two-stage competitive bidding procedure because of the detailed nature of the air assets.

The deadline of the submission of bids for the first stage of the project is on June 13. A technical working group will review the offers to determine who are qualified to move on to the second phase.

“Eligible bidders shall be notified for the second stage bidding procedure upon the completion of the evaluation and validation of the submitted documents during the first stage bidding,” the bid bulletin read.

The winning bidder is required to deliver the air assets within 1,035 calendar days from the receipt of notice to proceed from the government.

Meanwhile, the Air Force is planning to buy six close air support aircraft that can perform day and night operations.

"The guiding principles of this project shall be based on affordability and sustainability while conforming to the requirements of the Philippine Air Force in furtherance of accomplishing its mission," the bid bulletin read.

The deadline of submission of bids for the close air support aircraft project is on June 11.

The winning bidder should deliver the aircraft within 540 days from the effectivity of the contract. – Alexis Romero with reports from R. M. and A. P.