DND starts bid process for patrol, support planes

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

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

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

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

Complete sets of documents may be purchased from the defense department’s Bids and Awards Committee for P75,000 each for the two projects.

The documents may 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 patrol planes to be acquired would include sensors, sensors integration, mission support facilities and integrated logistics support package.

“(The 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.

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 for the submission of bids for the first stage of the project is 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 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 plans to buy six close air support aircraft that could 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 for 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.

Meanwhile, two recently acquired naval helicopters were deployed yesterday on their maiden mission to Palawan, the province nearest to the disputed Spratly Islands in the West Philippine Sea.

Philippine Fleet spokesman Lt. Junior Grade Rommel Rodriguez said the AW109E helicopters would be integrated with the Navy ships BRP Gregorio del Pilar and BRP Ramon Alcaraz.

“The helicopters would support the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ operations to help protect the nation’s territorial integrity and sovereignty by complementing its naval operating assets in the area,” Rodriguez said in a statement.

Send off ceremonies for the two helicopters were held yesterday at the Naval Air Group headquarters in Sangley Point, Cavite.

Philippine Fleet commander Rear Adm. Jaime Bernardino presided over the rites, which marked the first time helicopters are integrated afloat with Navy vessels.

Rodriguez said pilots of the naval helicopters underwent continuous training since the air assets were acquired from Italy.

“The pilots and crew have undergone rigorous training to meet an optimal condition of readiness for the air assets and are ready to undertake their mandated missions,” he added.