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DOTC rolls out MRT3 consultancy, procurement projects

Rappler.com

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DOTC rolls out MRT3 consultancy, procurement projects
No takers for its maintenance contract and yet the agency now calls interested firms to bid for MRT3's improvement projects

MANILA, Philippines – Still no takers for its maintenance contract, and despite a suggestion to bundle its projects rather than bid them by piece, the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) rolled out two more projects to improve the ailing Metro Rail Transit line 3 (MRT3) along EDSA.

DOTC published Friday, January 23, a Request for Expression of Interest inviting interested companies to provide consultancy services for the MRT3 system.

Under the General Appropriations Act of 2015, the agency set P50 million ($1.13 million) to finance the consultancy services for MRT3 under its rehabilitation and capacity expansion projects.

The consulting firm would provide assistance and guidance in all matters pertaining to operations and maintenance of the MRT system, Hernando Cabrera, MRT3 and Light Rail Transit Authority (LRTA) spokesperson, said.

The consultant would also extend assistance in the conceptualization, implementation, and procurement of any and all programs and projects for MRT3 in an effort to provide a safe, reliable, efficient, convenient, affordable, and efficient mass rail transit system, Cabrera added.

A pre-eligibility conference has been set on Friday, January 30, while interested companies have until February 6 to submit their eligibility documents.

DOTC’s Bids and Awards Committee (BAC) would shortlist 5 prospective bidders from those who indicated interest and submitted eligibility documents. They will be chosen based on determined eligibility in accordance with the provisions of Republic Act 9184 or the Government Procurement Reform Act.

The agency awarded a P3.76 billion ($85.13 million) MRT3 capacity expansion project for the acquisition of 48 brand new trains. The project was awarded to Dalian Locomotive and Rolling Stock Co Ltd CNR Group of China.

Procurement services

Apart from the consultancy requirement, DOTC also published an invitation to bid for the supply and delivery of 60 units of traction motor for MRT3’s Czech-made RT8D5M light rail vehicles (LRVs) worth P91.7 million ($2.08 million).

Interested bidders should have completed a single contract similar to the project within the last 20 years and with a value of at least 50% of the project cost.

A pre-bid conference will be held on February 4. Interested bidders have until February 18 to submit their bids.

The winning bidder should deliver within 180 calendar days from the issuance of notice to proceed, the traction motors, including two prototype units, as well as pertinent installation and maintenance manuals, and illustrated parts catalogue.

On January 20, DOTC declared the MRT3 maintenance bid a failure since no single bidder showed up – the second time there were no bid-takers for the issue-ridden MRT system.

Thus, DOTC extended anew the contract of Autre Potre Technique Global Inc (APT) to maintain the aging MRT3.

Meanwhile, LRT1 contractor Commbuilders and Technology Philippines Corporation (CB&T) said in an interview with Rappler that the government should welcome unsolicited proposals on how to overhaul MRT3, rather than set bidding terms that supposedly hinder much-needed improvements in the system.

Unsolicited, bundled proposals that are even subjected to a Swiss Challenge should also be considered to expedite the MRT3’s improvement, CB&T officials said. – Rappler.com


$1 = P44.17

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