The Department of Transportation (DOTr) is inviting local and international companies to challenge the unsolicited proposal of Aboitiz InfraCapital, Inc. to upgrade, expand, operate and maintain the Laguindingan International Airport.
The Laguindingan International Airport project is an unsolicited proposal from Aboitiz InfraCapital, Inc. accepted by the DOTr and the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) under the provisions of Republic Act No. 11966 or the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Code of the Philippines.
The challenge process involves the submission of comparative proposals to finance, design, construct, operate, and maintain the Laguindingan International Airport under a 30-year concession period.
The Swiss Challenge is a form of procurement required in an unsolicited project, where other parties are given an opportunity to challenge the bid of the proponent.
“The comparative challenge process will be conducted pursuant to and in accordance with the procurement rules and procedures applicable for unsolicited proposals set out in the PPP Code,” the DOTr said.
It said prospective challengers may participate in the challenge process and be given access to the virtual data room upon payment of a non-refundable participation fee of P250,000 or $4,500.
“The implementing agencies reserve the right to reject any or all bids, declare a failure of the comparative challenge, modify the comparative challenge process documents or any aspect thereof anytime and/or not award the project for any reason whatsoever and without need of any explanation,” it added.
The Laguindingan International Airport upgrade project is recognized as one of the flagship projects of the national government.
It aims to enhance connectivity to the Northern Mindanao region that includes Misamis Oriental, Misamis Occidental, Lanao del Norte, Bukidnon, and Camiguin, along with the cities of Cagayan de Oro and Iligan.
The project seeks to define an aviation strategy for new airlines and connections, including the development of international flights, expand airport capacity according to market demand, introduce sustainable concepts, and enhance passenger experience through operational and environmental improvements.
