DENR opens bidding for flood control projects

MANILA, Philippines—The Department of Environment and Natural Resources has opened bidding for a P17-million contract for consulting firms that will draw up master plans for the development and rehabilitation of four major river basins.

DENR Administrative Services Director Ramon Ezpeleta, vice chair of the department’s bids and awards committee, called for the submission  of letters of interest from potential bidders as part of their application for eligibility in the bidding process.

They have until the end of August to submit eligibility documents, after which the BAC will draw up a short list of three qualified bidders entitled to submit bids for the deal.

A winning bid will entitle the consulting firm to a contract for the formulation of the “Integrated River Basin Management and Development Master Plan” for each of the four river basins, under the behest of the DENR’s River Basin Control Office (RBCO).

The four river basins covered by the contract are Marikina, with an approved budget of P4.5 million, Iloilo-Batiano, P3.6 million, Cagayan de Oro, P3.6 million, and Abra, P5.4 million. The entire contract has an approved budget of P17.1 million under the General Appropriations Act.

The preparation of the master plan is a requirement set by the RBCO, the lead government agency for the integrated planning, management, rehabilitation, and development of the country’s river basins, which have degraded over the years due to exploitation and deforestation, among other factors.

RBCO is mandated “to rationalize various river basin projects” and “to promote and advocate an integrated river basin management to ensure protection of environment and people against floods and natural disasters.”

The Philippines has 421 river basins, 20 of which are considered major. “These basins are considered as the lifeblood and driver of the Philippine economy, thus (they) need to be managed sustainably,” the RBCO said on its Web site.

Applications for eligibility will be evaluated based on non-discretionary “pass or fail” criteria in accordance with government procurement laws, according to a memo by Ezpeleta requesting bidders to begin submitting their expressions of interest.

To be included on the short list of eligible bidders, applicants must pass the criteria and rating system, as follows: applicable experience of the firm (60 percent), job capacity (20 percent), and qualification of officers (20 percent), he said.

Bidding is restricted to entities or organizations with at least 60 percent interest or outstanding capital stock belonging to Filipino citizens.

The contract shall be completed within 18 months, Ezpeleta said.

“The DENR reserves the right to reject any and all bids, annul the bidding process, or not award the contract at any time prior to contract award, without thereby incurring any liability to the affected bidder or bidders,” he added.