BCDA moves bid deadline anew for ₱2.5-billion New Clark ICT project
The Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) is extending the deadline for the submission of bids for the ₱2.5-billion commercialization of passive information and communications technology (ICT) infrastructure in New Clark City by nearly two weeks to give more interested bidders time to participate.
In a bid bulletin, the BCDA said it is extending the project’s bid submission deadline from Feb. 3 to Feb. 16, as it seeks to find the most suitable joint venture (JV) partner.
The state-run firm is seeking the support of the private sector for the commercialization, expansion, repair, and maintenance of the ICT infrastructure in New Clark City.
“Through this project, we aim to provide fast, reliable, and affordable internet connectivity to all residents and businesses in New Clark City,” said BCDA President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Joshua Bingcang.
“This initiative will significantly boost the city’s competitiveness, attract high-value and technology-driven industries, generate highly skilled jobs for Filipinos, and ultimately improve the overall quality of life,” he added.
The project will be implemented under the Open Access Fiber model, which seeks to establish robust fiber infrastructure and a competitive market for ICT services that support the needs of government agencies, enterprises, and residents.
Under this model, multiple data transmission providers (DTPs) are allowed to share the same physical network and split associated costs in providing affordable and carrier-grade ICT services.
In exchange for these services, the JV partner may collect tariffs from its DTP customers in accordance with its agreement with the BCDA.
The term of the JV agreement will be 25 years, extendable for a maximum of another 25 years, with a preliminary cost estimated at ₱2.5 billion.
The project was first put up for bidding in 2023, but it fell through after the bidders were found to be ineligible.
The BCDA attempted to restart the bidding process in February last year, although this was suspended the following month to align with the process and requirements under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Code.
The latest bidding attempt for the project was initiated in May, with the deadline for bid submissions having been extended multiple times.
Under its most recent bulletin for prospective JV partners, the BCDA intends to issue the notice of award to the winning bidder on April 14.
The signing of the agreement has been set for May 12.
The BCDA said it has tapped the Manila-based multilateral lender Asian Development Bank (ADB) as transaction adviser to ensure a transparent and competitive bidding process.