The Department of Transportation (DOTr) is inviting local and international companies to challenge the unsolicited proposal submitted by Aboitiz InfraCapital Inc. for the upgrade, expansion, operations and maintenance of the Laguindingan International Airport.
The Laguindingan International Airport PPP Project, an unsolicited proposal from Aboitiz InfraCapital, was accepted by DOTr and Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) following the provisions of Republic Act No. 11966 or the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Code of the Philippines.
The comparative 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.
Swiss Challenge is a form of procurement, usually required in an unsolicited project, that provides other parties 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.
The agency 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 Laguindingan International Airport upgrade project was identified as one of the infrastructure flagship projects of the national government.
It aims to enhance connectivity to the Northern Mindanao region, which includes the five provinces of 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.