GPM - Vol.2

VOLUME 2
Manual of Procedures for the

Procurement of Goods and
Services
Page i
MANUAL OF PROCEDURES FOR THE PROCUREMENT OF GOODS AND

SERVICES....................................................................................................
1
ABBREVIATIONS AND ACRONYMS............................................................

VI
INTRODUCTION ..........................................................................................
1
SCOPE OF VOLUME 2......................................................................................

3
PREPARING FOR THE PROCUREMENT OF GOODS AND SERVICES .................

5
................................. 7
PREPARING FOR THE PROCUREMENT OF GOODS AND SERVICES
PROCUREMENT PLANNING............................................................................... 8
What are the factors to be considered in planning for the procurement of
Goods?............8 What are “Technical
Specifications”? ........................................................................10 What are the

considerations in setting the technical specifications of the goods to
be procured?.........................................................................................................10
What is the “Approved Budget for the Contract” or the ABC?.......................................11

What are the factors that should be considered in determining the
ABC? ......................11
PREPARING THE BIDDING DOCUMENTS.............................................................

13
What are Bidding
Documents?.................................................................................13 What are the
contents of Bidding Documents?...........................................................13 In addition

to properly crafted Bidding Documents, what other practices may a
Procuring Entity observe to ensure a successful procurement?.....................................14
Who shall participate in the preparation of the Bidding Documents?.............................14
When should you prepare the Bidding Documents?....................................................14

What various types and sizes of contracts may be provided in the Bidding
Documents?..........................................................................................................1
4 Methodology: How are the Bidding Documents
prepared?..........................................15 What is a Bid
Security?...........................................................................................15 What are
the forms of Bid Security and the corresponding amounts required?...............16 Who
determines the form of the Bid Security to be submitted by bidders?....................16
Manual of Procedures for the Procurement of Goods and Services

Page ii
What is the period of validity of Bids and the corresponding Bid
Security?.....................16 In what currency shall the Bid Security be
denominated?............................................17 What happens if a bidder does not
submit a Bid Security? ..........................................17 When should Bid Securities be
returned to the bidders?..............................................17 What is a Performance
Security? .............................................................................17 When shall the
Performance Security be posted by the Bidder with the LCRB?...............17 What are the
forms of Performance Security and the corresponding amounts
required?..............................................................................................................1
7
Who determines the form of the Performance Security to be submitted by winning
bidder? ................................................................................................................1
8
In case of amendments in the contract price, will there be a corresponding change in the
amount of the Performance Security?..............................................................18

When may the Performance Security be
released?.....................................................18 Who are the parties involved in the
posting of the Performance Security?.....................19

Methodology: How is the Performance Security
posted?..............................................19
............................................. 20
CONDUCT OF THE PRE-PROCUREMENT CONFERENCE
What is a Pre-procurement
Conference?...................................................................20 Why is a Pre-procurement
Conference necessary? .....................................................20 When do you conduct a
Pre-procurement Conference? ...............................................20 Who calls for a Pre-
procurement Conference?............................................................20 Who are the
participants of a Pre-procurement Conference? .......................................20

What should a Pre-procurement Conference
achieve?.................................................21
THE PROCUREMENT SERVICE OF THE DEPARTMENT OF BUDGET AND

MANAGEMENT AND THE PHILIPPINE GOVERNMENT ELECTRONIC
PROCUREMENT SYSTEM.............................................................................
23
THE PS-DBM AND THE PHILGEPS .................................................................

25 What is the mandate of the PS-
DBM?.......................................................................25 What is the policy of the

Government with respect to the use of the PhilGEPS for
the procurement of
goods? .....................................................................................25 What present
features of the PhilGEPS and the PS-DBM website are of special

Page iii
relevance to the procurement of
goods?....................................................................26 Methodology: How does a
Procuring Entity procure through the PS-DBM?......................26
INSTRUCTIONS ON THE PROCEDURAL STEPS FOR THE PROCUREMENT

OF GOODS AND SERVICES.........................................................................
29
COMPETITIVE BIDDING ................................................................................

31
What is Competitive
Bidding?...................................................................................31
STEP 1 ADVERTISE AND POST AN INVITATION TO APPLY FOR ELIGIBILITY AND

TO BID .................................................................................................. 32
What is the Invitation to Apply for Eligibility and to Bid
(IAEB)?....................................32 Why do you post an Invitation to Apply for Eligibility
and to Bid?..................................32 What does an Invitation to Apply for Eligibility and
to Bid contain? ...............................32 When, where, and for how long do you post an
Invitation to Apply for Eligibility
and to
Bid?............................................................................................................33
Which unit shall ensure that the advertising/posting requirements of the IAEB are
complied
with?.......................................................................................................34
Methodology: How are IAEBs advertised and posted?.................................................34
STEP 2 ISSUE THE BIDDING DOCUMENTS........................................................ 36

When should the bidding documents be made available to prospective bidders?.............36
How much must prospective bidders pay for the Bidding Documents?...........................36
Methodology: How are the Bidding Documents issued? ..............................................37

What are the responsibilities of a prospective bidder with regard to the Bidding
Documents?...........................................................................................................
37
STEP 3 CALL A PRE-BID CONFERENCE AND, IF NECESSARY, ISSUE

SUPPLEMENTAL/BID BULLETINS.....................................................................
39
What is a Pre-bid Conference? .................................................................................39
When do you hold a Pre-bid Conference?...................................................................39
Who must attend the Pre-bid Conference?.................................................................39

How should the participants conduct themselves during the Pre-bid Conference
and other stages of the procurement
process?...........................................................40 Methodology: How is the Pre-bid

Page iv
Conference conducted?.............................................40 What happens if there is a

need for clarification or interpretation on the Bidding
Documents after the Pre-bid Conference had been held?.............................................40
Who are involved in the Issuance of the Supplemental/Bid Bulletin? .............................41

Methodology: How is a Supplemental/Bid Bulletin
issued? ...........................................41
4 ....................... 43
STEP RECEIVE AND OPEN THE ELIGIBILITY AND BID ENVELOPES
Who may be eligible to participate in a public bidding for
goods?..................................43 Are foreign suppliers allowed to
bid?.........................................................................44 When is a prospective bidder
eligible to bid?..............................................................46 What are the minimum
eligibility requirements?.........................................................46 What is the purpose

of requiring an NFCC, a credit line or a certificate of a Holdout on Cash Deposit that is
equal to the ABC?............................................................48 What are the eligibility
requirements of a prospective foreign bidder? ...........................48 How and when must
the Eligibility Envelope be submitted?..........................................48 What happens if a

bidder fails to submit its eligibility envelope and bid on the
date, time and place indicated in the
IAEB? ...............................................................49 When should the eligibility
envelope be opened? ........................................................49 What is a
Bid?........................................................................................................49 What
are the contents of the Technical Proposal?.......................................................49

What are the contents of the Financial
Proposal?........................................................50 When should Bids be
submitted?..............................................................................50 Who are the

parties involved in the receipt and opening of eligibility envelopes
and
bids? ..............................................................................................................50
Methodology: How are the eligibility and bid envelopes
opened? .................................51 What happens if only one bidder submits its eligibility
and bid envelopes?.....................53 What can a prospective bidder do if it is found

ineligible or declared non-compliant with the technical or financial
requirements?..............................................................53
What happens if questions/doubts have been raised about the eligibility of a
prospective bidder after it had been declared as
eligible? ............................................54 What happens if only one bidder is declared
eligible? .................................................54 What is
disqualification? .........................................................................................54

Page v
Other than a declaration of ineligibility, is there another way by which a manufacturer,

supplier or distributor may be disqualified from bidding?........................54 What happens
if no prospective bidder is declared eligible?.........................................55 What happens
if only one bidder passes the Preliminary Examination of Bids?...............56 What happens
if a bidder fails to comply with the Technical and Financial
requirements of the Bid? ........................................................................................56
Can a bidder withdraw its bid?.................................................................................56
STEP 5 EVALUATE THE BIDS ........................................................................ 57
What is the purpose of Bid Evaluation?.....................................................................57

When should the bids be evaluated? ........................................................................57
Who are the participants in the Bid Evaluation Process?..............................................57

Methodology: How are bids evaluated?....................................................................57
Are there special privileges for cooperatives in the supply of goods to government
entities? ...............................................................................................................59
What may be done if all prospective bidders are unable to comply with the requirement of
having a single contract whose value is at least fifty percent (50%)
of the ABC of the project to be bid?..........................................................................59
What happens if a bidder does not accept the arithmetical corrections done by the
BAC on its bid?......................................................................................................59
What happens if no bid complies with all bid requirements? ........................................60
How shall Domestic Preference be applied during bid evaluation?.................................60
How is the right to match undertaken in bidding of provincial projects?........................62

What rules govern the lease of Computers, Communications, Information and
Other Equipment?..................................................................................................63
STEP 6 POST-QUALIFY............................................................................... 64
What is Post-qualification?......................................................................................64
What does Post-qualification entail?.........................................................................64
What is the Timeline for the conduct of Post-qualification?..........................................65
Who are involved in the conduct of Post-qualification?................................................65
Methodology: How is Post-qualification conducted?...................................................65
What happens if the bidder with the LCB fails Post-qualification? .................................66
What happens if all bidders fail Post-qualification? .....................................................66

When may the Procuring Entity exercise its right to reject bids, declare a failure of bidding, or
not award the contract?..........................................................................66 STEP 7
AWARD THE CONTRACT .................................................................... 68

What is the rule on Contract Award? ........................................................................68
What is the Timeline for Contract Award? .................................................................68
Who are involved in the Award of the Contract?.........................................................68

Methodology: How is a contract awarded? ...............................................................69

Page vi
8
STEP HAVE THE CONTRACT SIGNED AND APPROVED AND ISSUE THE NOTICE
TO PROCEED .............................................................................................. 70
When must the winning bidder and the Procuring Entity enter into a contract?..............70
What are the Timelines to be considered with respect to contract approval?..................70
When should the Procuring Entity issue the NTP?.......................................................70
When is a contract “effective”?................................................................................70

Who are the Parties involved in Contract Signing and Approval and Issuance of the
NTP? ................................................................................................................71
What documents form part of the contract? ..............................................................71
Methodology:........................................................................................................72
What are the rules governing the review and approval of government contracts?...........72
What happens if the bidder with the LCRB or SCRB refuses or is unable, through its own
fault, to post the performance security and sign the contract within the
prescribed period? .................................................................................................73
What happens if the failure of the bidder with the LCRB or SCRB to sign the
contract within the prescribed period is not its own doing?..........................................74
TWO-STAGE COMPETITIVE BIDDING................................................................ 75
What is Two-Stage Competitive Bidding?..................................................................75
What are the instances when a Procuring Entity may employ the Two-Stage
Competitive Bidding Procedure?...............................................................................75

What is the timeline for the conduct of a Two-Stage Competitive Bidding?.....................75
Who are involved in the Two-Stage Competitive Bidding process? ................................76
Methodology: How is the Two-Stage Competitive Bidding process conducted?................76

What happens if no prospective bidder submits a Letter of
Intent? ...............................77
INSTRUCTIONS ON THE PROCEDURAL STEPS FOR THE PROCUREMENT

OF GOODS AND SERVICES.........................................................................
79
......... 81
THE ALTERNATIVE METHODS FOR THE PROCUREMENT OF GOODS AND SERVICES
What is the rule on the use of alternative methods of
procurement?.............................81 LIMITED SOURCE
BIDDING............................................................................ 82
What is Limited Source
Bidding?...............................................................................82 When shall Limited
Source Bidding be allowed?..........................................................82 Who will be
invited to bid?.......................................................................................82 Who are

involved in conducting the Limited Source Bidding?........................................82
Methodology: How is procurement through the Limited Source Bidding method

Page vii
conducted?............................................................................................................83
Are bid and performance securities required for this method of procurement?................83
DIRECT CONTRACTING .................................................................................

84
What is Direct
Contracting? .....................................................................................84 When shall
Direct Contracting be allowed?.................................................................84 How can
Direct Contracting be justified?....................................................................85 Who
are involved in procurement through Direct Contracting? .....................................85

Methodology: How is Direct Contracting
conducted? ..................................................85 Should a Procuring Entity require a

performance security under this method of
procurement? ........................................................................................................
86
REPEAT ORDER...........................................................................................
87
What is Repeat
Order?............................................................................................87 When is
Repeat Order Allowed?................................................................................87 Who

are involved in procurement through Repeat Order?............................................88
Methodology: How is procurement through Repeat Order
done?..................................88 Should a Procuring Entity require a performance

security under this procurement
method?................................................................................................................
89
SHOPPING.................................................................................................
90
What is
Shopping?..................................................................................................90 When
is Shopping allowed?......................................................................................90
Who are involved in the conduct of procurement through
Shopping?.............................91 Methodology: How is procurement through the
Shopping method done? ......................91 Are performance securities still required for
procurements through the Shopping
method?................................................................................................................
93 NEGOTIATED PROCUREMENT..........................................................................
94

Page viii
What is Negotiated Procurement?.............................................................................94

When is Negotiated Procurement allowed for the procurement of goods?.......................94
Who are the parties involved in Negotiated Procurement? ...........................................95
Methodology: How is Negotiated Procurement undertaken? ........................................95

Are bid and performance securities required for purchases made through
Negotiated
Procurement? ........................................................................................96
GUIDELINES ON CONTRACT IMPLEMENTATION FOR THE

PROCUREMENT OF GOODS AND SERVICES.................................................
97
........ 99
CONTRACT IMPLEMENTATION FOR THE PROCUREMENT OF GOODS AND SERVICES
Legal
Reference .....................................................................................................99
What is covered by Contract
Implementation? ...........................................................99
When shall a contract be deemed
effective?...............................................................99
WARRANTY .............................................................................................
100
Legal
Reference ...................................................................................................100
What is the purpose of a Warranty?........................................................................100
What is the Warranty requirement for Goods?......................................................... 100

When shall Goods be considered defective?.............................................................
100 Are there instances where partial release or reduction of the required warranty
may be done by the Procuring Entity? ....................................................................
101
AMENDMENT TO ORDER ..............................................................................

102
What is an Amendment to Order?..........................................................................
102 When can the Procuring Entity issue an Amendment to
Order?.................................. 102 Are corresponding adjustments in contract price

and/or delivery schedules
allowed?.............................................................................................................
103 What rules shall govern price adjustments due to Amendment to
Order?.................... 103 Who are involved in the issuance of an Amendment to
Order?................................... 103 Methodology: How is an Amendment to Order
issued?............................................. 104

Page ix
Can a supplier proceed with the work under an Amendment to Order even if such
Amendment to Order has not yet been approved? ...................................................
104
SUSPENSION OF DELIVERY ..........................................................................

106
Legal Reference...................................................................................................
106 What are the grounds for suspension of delivery or contract
implementation?............. 106 Are corresponding adjustments in contract price and/or
delivery schedule allowed? ..... 106 When shall the Supplier/ Manufacturer/ Distributor
resume delivery and/or
contract implementation? .....................................................................................
106 Who are the parties involved in the issuance of a Suspension
Order? ......................... 106

Methodology: How is a Suspension Order issued?....................................................
107
............................................. 108
DELAYS IN DELIVERY AND LIQUIDATED DAMAGES
Legal Reference...................................................................................................
108 What is the rule on the applicable period for the delivery of goods or performance
of services?.........................................................................................................
108 What are Liquidated
Damages? ............................................................................. 108 What are the
grounds for the imposition of Liquidated Damages? .............................. 108 What is the
amount of Liquidated Damages that may be imposed upon the
supplier?.............................................................................................................
108 Methodology: How are Liquidated Damages
imposed?............................................. 109
OTHER RULES AND GUIDELINES....................................................................

110
Legal Reference ..................................................................................................
110
Incidental Services ..............................................................................................
110 Spare
Parts......................................................................................................... 110
Purchaser’s Responsibilities...................................................................................
111
Prices ..............................................................................................................
111
Payment.............................................................................................................
114 Taxes and

Page x
Duties................................................................................................. 116
Subcontracts.......................................................................................................
116
Standards...........................................................................................................
116
Packaging...........................................................................................................
116
Insurance ...........................................................................................................
117
Transportation.....................................................................................................
117 Inspection and
Tests............................................................................................ 118 Intellectual
Property Rights................................................................................... 119

Limitations of Liability ..........................................................................................
119 Termination for
Default ........................................................................................ 119 Termination
for Insolvency.................................................................................... 120

Termination for Convenience.................................................................................
120
Assignment.........................................................................................................
121
Blacklisting .........................................................................................................
121
GENERAL PROCUREMENT ACTIVITIES AND TIMELINES............................

123
.......................... 125
GENERAL PROCUREMENT ACTIVITIES AND TIMELINE FOR GOODS
ABBREVIATIONS AND ACRONYMS
ABC Approved Budget for the Contract
ADB Asian Development Bank
AFP Armed Forces of the Philippines
APP Annual Procurement Plan
APR Agency Procurement Request
BAC Bids and Awards Committee

Page xi
BDA Battle Dress Attire
BDS Bid Data Sheet
BFAD Bureau of Food and Drugs
BIR Bureau of Internal Revenue
BOC Bureau of Customs
BSP Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas
CDA Cooperatives Development Authority
CAF Certificate of Availability of Funds
CFR Cost and Freight
CIF Cost, Insurance and Freight
CIP Carriage and Insurance Paid To (named place of destination)
COA Commission on Audit
CPT Carriage Paid To (named place of destination)
DBM Department of Budget and Management
DBM-PS/
PS-DBM Department of Budget and Management-Procurement Service
DDP Delivered Duty Paid (named place of destination)
DFA Department of Foreign Affairs
DOH Department of Health
DOJ Department of Justice
DTI Department of Trade and Industry
DV Disbursement Voucher
EFPS Electronic Filing and Payment System
E.O. Executive Order
EXW Ex Works, Ex Factory or Off-the-shelf
FAP Foreign Assisted Project
FCA Free Carrier (named place)
FED Firearms and Explosives Division
FOB Free on Board

Page xii
GAA General Appropriations Act
GCC General Conditions of Contract
GFI Government Financial Institution
GOCC Government-owned and/or –controlled corporation
GOP Government of the Philippines
GPPB Government Procurement Policy Board
GPPB-TSO GPPB – Technical Support Office
GPRA Government Procurement Reform Act (R.A. 9184)
IAEB Invitation to Apply for Eligibility and to Bid
ICB International Competitive Bidding
IFI International Financing Institution
IPR Intellectual Property Rights
IRR Implementing Rules and Regulations
IRR-A Implementing Rules and Regulations Part A of R.A. 9184
ITB Instructions to Bidders
JBIC Japan Bank for International Cooperation
JVA Joint Venture Agreement
LBP Land Bank of the Philippines
LC Letter of Credit
LCB Lowest Calculated Bid
LCRB Lowest Calculated Responsive Bid (this shall have the same meaning as
Lowest Evaluated and Responsive Bid [LERB] for IFIs)
LGU Local Government Unit
LOI Letter of Instructions
MDS Modified Disbursement Scheme
NCA Notice of Cash Allocation
NEDA National Economic and Development Authority
NFCC Net Financial Contracting Capacity
NGA National Government Agency

Page xiii
NGO Non-Government Organization
NTC National Telecommunications Commission
NTP Notice to Proceed
OS Obligation Slip
PA Philippine Army
PBDs Philippine Bidding Documents
P.D. Presidential Decree
PMO Project Management Office
PNP Philippine National Police
PPMP Project Procurement Management Plan
PhilGEPS/
G-EPS Philippine Government Electronic Procurement System
PWI Procurement Watch Inc.
R.A. Republic Act
R.A. 9184 Republic Act No. 9184, otherwise known as the “Government Procurement
Reform Act”
RIS Requisition and Issuance Slip
SARO Special Allotment Release Order
SBDs Standard Bidding Documents
SCC Special Conditions of Contract
SCRB Single Calculated and Responsive Bid
SEC Securities and Exchange Commission
SMEs Small and Medium Enterprises
SOW Scope of Work
SPA Special Power of Attorney
SUCs State Universities and Colleges
TWG Technical Working Group
UNDB United Nations Development Business
WB The World Bank

SECTION 1
Introduction
Page 3 of 128
Scope of Volume 2
This Manual seeks to provide its users with clear, concise, and accurate information on the
public procurement of goods and services, by discussing the steps that need to be taken to
effect such procurement in the manner prescribed by R.A. 9184, otherwise known as the
“Government Procurement Reform Act,” and its IRR-A. It also discusses important issues that
may confront government officials in all stages of goods and services procurement, from the
preparation of bid documents, to the actual bidding activity, monitoring of contract
implementation and the final payment to the supplier.
This Manual focuses on public procurement of goods. The procedures are harmonized to a large
extent with the IFIs and bi-lateral agencies lending to the Philippines. There are however
policies which are specific to a particular lending agency or grantor and the document highlights
the main differences. It should however be noted that the loan, credit or grant agreement with
the relevant IFIs and/or bilaterals and their respective Guidelines will be the overriding factors
governing the foreign assisted projects.
GOODS and SERVICES refer to all items, supplies, materials and general support services,
except consulting services and infrastructure projects, which may be needed in the transaction of
public businesses or in the pursuit of any government undertaking, project or activity. The term
refers to, among other subjects, equipment, furniture, stationery, materials for construction, or
personal property of any kind, including non-personal or contractual services such as the repair
and maintenance of equipment and furniture. It also refers to trucking, hauling, janitorial,
security, and related or analogous services (e.g. rental of venues and facilities, catering services,
attendance to trainings and seminars, short term services not considered as consulting
services), as well as procurement of materials and supplies provided by the Procuring Entity for
such services. The term “related” or “analogous services” shall include, but not be limited to,
lease or purchase of office space, media advertisements, health maintenance services, and other
services essential to the operation of the Procuring Entity. (IRR-A Section 5[k])
SECTION 2
Preparing for the Procurement of

Goods and Services
Page 7 of 128
Preparing for the Procurement of Goods and Services
Volume I of this Manual contains an extensive discussion of Procurement Planning as a

general concern for all kinds of government procurement, while this Section mainly focuses
on concerns that are particular to the procurement of goods and services. As such, it is
advisable for the reader to refer to the pertinent discussions in Volume I before and during
the reading of this Section.
Preparing makes for higher efficiency and efficacy. It enables the procurement officials
concerned to anticipate the onset of events and, as a consequence, better calibrate their
response to them. Having a better appreciation of forthcoming events gives these officials
the opportunity to test a range of possible courses of action, choose the best and most
feasible of these, and identify measures to put them into action. Ultimately, it would enable
them to determine the best manner by which such measures are to be implemented,
ensuring that their individual and collective impacts are optimized at the least cost.
Preparing for procurement basically involves three (3) activities: procurement planning,
preparation of the bidding documents, and the conduct of the pre-procurement conference.
Procurement planning entails ensuring that plans for procurement are linked to budgets,
preparing the PPMP and consolidating all PPMPs into the APP. Formulating the PPMP involves
identifying the procurement project requirements, writing the technical specifications,
determining the ABC, identifying the schedule of milestone activities, and determining the
method of procurement.
The PPMP is then transformed into the bidding documents, which ought to contain all the
information a prospective bidder needs to prepare its bid. Therefore, in preparing the
bidding documents, one has to ensure that these accurately and comprehensively reflect the
main elements of the PPMP. One also has to make sure that the documents are of the kind
and form prescribed by the IRR-A and this Manual.
The pre-procurement conference is the forum where all officials of the Procuring Entity
involved in the project meet to discuss all aspects of the said project to determine the
readiness of the Procuring Entity to undertake the procurement. The conference focuses on
the technical specifications, the ABC, the appropriateness and applicability of the
recommended method of procurement, and the availability of pertinent budget releases,
among others.
Procurement Planning
Planning of the procurement of goods and services shall be in accordance with the principles
of government procurement as provided for under Section 3 Volume I of this Manual.
What are the factors to be considered in planning for the procurement of

Goods?

Page 8 of 147
The PMO or the end-user unit should consider the following factors which have an impact on
contract packaging, the procurement method to be used, and other components of
Procurement Planning as discussed in Volume 1 of these Manuals:
1. Nature of the Goods to be Procured. Goods may be classified into different categories,
such as:
a. common-use supplies;
b. inventory items;
c. non-common use supplies (which may include equipment or supplies that are
project-specific); or
d. services.
“Common-use supplies” as defined in the IRR-A as those goods, materials, and

equipment that are repetitively used in the day-to-day operations of procuring
entities in the performance of their functions. For the purpose of the IRR-A,
common-use supplies shall be those included in the Price List of the PS-DBM. (IRR-A
Section 5 [g]) Common-use supplies should be procured from the PS-DBM on a
quarterly basis.
“Inventory items” include common-use supplies, goods, materials and equipment that
are not in the Price List of the PS-DBM but are regularly used and kept on stock by
the Procuring Entity. Inventory items that are not “common-use supplies” may be
procured from commercial sources, or suppliers other than the PS-DBM. The bulk
purchase of these goods may be a good strategy to lower costs and achieve
administrative efficiency. Likewise, it is a good practice to monitor the consumption
of these items and identify when re-orders are necessary to ensure “round-the-clock”
availability and to avoid over-
the-counter purchases or purchases
Let’s make doing things easier using petty cash funds.
“Non-common use supplies” are

On using the PS-DBM for procurement those goods, materials, and
equipment that are neither
The Procuring Entity must consider the services of the “common-use supplies” nor
PS-DBM in the procurement of all kinds of supplies. This “inventory items”, and may include
will free it from the tediousness of attending to those goods, materials and
recurring transactions, and provide greater time for the equipment that are required by the
procurement of high value, highly specialized Procuring Entity for a specific
project only. Since these are not
requirements for its more significant projects. used regularly, and may even be
highly specialized, these
may be procured individually. There may be cases, however, when the APP will
reveal that similar items are required for different projects, and in order to minimize
costs, these may be procured under a single contract. For goods that are available
off-the-shelf and are of relatively low value, shopping may be resorted to, provided
the conditions for the use of this alternative mode of procurement are present.
“Services” refer to general support services, except consulting services and

infrastructure projects, which may be needed in support of the transaction of public
businesses or in the pursuit of any government undertaking, project or activity.
These include non-personal or contractual services such as the repair and
maintenance of equipment and furniture, as well as trucking, hauling, janitorial,
security and related or analogous services (e.g. rental of venues and facilities,
catering services, attendance to trainings and seminars, short term services not
considered as consulting services). The terms “related services” or “analogous

Page 9 of 128
services” shall include, but not be limited to, lease or purchase of office space,
media advertisements, health maintenance services, and other services essential to
the operation of the Procuring Entity.
2. Availability of the Goods or Services in the Market. The identification of the

mode of procurement is sometimes dependent on the supply market. The
procurement unit or office should, therefore, study the supply market to determine
the availability of the goods. Goods that are universally available should be procured
through public bidding. However, there are instances wherein alternative modes of
procurement may be applicable.
Goods that are available seasonally, or those that are to be manufactured specially
for the Procuring Entity only upon its order, would require more intensive planning
in terms of timelines for procurement, taking into consideration manufacturing
leadtime.
3. Obsolescence, operation, and maintenance of equipment/non-consumable

Goods. In buying equipment, the Procuring Entity has to consider the operation and
maintenance requirements of the goods to be procured. These refer to the availability and
cost of spare parts in the local market, the skills required in operating and maintaining the
equipment, and similar considerations. For example, if spare parts and maintenance
services are not available locally, or, if available, are very expensive, the Procuring Entity
may consider buying, instead, the substitute or equivalent product. It should be noted,
however, that spare parts must be available locally. On the other hand, if the items being
procured are high-technology
items, or are highly specialized Let’s make doing things easier
(e.g., fighter jets) and cannot
be On Ordering Agreements
satisfactorily
substituted by other
products, the Under GPPB Resolution No. 06-2005, ordering
Procuring Entity may agreements may be resorted to in situations where the
consider including the procuring entity intends to procure non-inventory parts
supply of spare parts, necessary to maintain the operational effectiveness of
consumables and/or existing major equipment. The requirement thereof,
maintenance services although identified, becomes necessary only upon the
for a specified period of happening of a fortuitous event. For this reason, the
time, as part of the quantity and the exact time of need for said parts
contract package. cannot be accurately pre-determined. Therefore, for
reasons of economy, keeping in stock of said parts for
Obsolescence could also possible future use or by procuring them for inventory
be a factor in deciding would be disadvantageous to the government. This
whether to lease or to excludes parts required for routine maintenance, the
buy equipment. It volume and delivery time being determinable at an
may be more earlier period.
economical for the
Procuring Entity to consider the leases of equipment that are easily rendered
obsolete, like IT equipment. (Please refer to the last paragraph on bid evaluation on
this Manual)
The Procuring Entity shall also take into consideration the warranty requirements for
goods under Section 62.1 of IRR-A.
What are “Technical Specifications”?
The term “technical specifications” refers to the physical description of the goods or services,
as well as the Procuring Entity’s requirements in terms of the functional, performance,
environmental interface and design standard requirements to be met by the goods to be

Page 10 of 147
manufactured or supplied, or the services to be rendered. The technical specifications must

include the testing parameters for goods, when such testing is required in the contract.
“Functional description” is the description of the functions for which the Goods are to be
utilized. For example, a ballpen is expected to write 1.5 km of straight, continuous lines.
“Performance description” refers to the manner that the Goods are required to perform the
functions expected of them. For example, a ballpen that writes at 1.5km should do so
continuously and smoothly, without skipping, and with the color of the ink being consistent.
“Environmental interface” refers to the environment in which the required functions are
performed at the desired level. For example, a ballpen should write continuously for 1.5km
on pad paper or bond paper, but not necessarily on wood or on a white board.
“Design” refers to the technical design or drawing of the goods being procured. A design
standard is particularly useful in cases where the goods procured are specially manufactured
for the Procuring Entity. For example, in procuring BDA for the PA, there is a specific pattern
of color and shade that the BDA should follow.
What are the considerations in setting the technical specifications of the

goods to be procured?
In determining the technical specifications of the goods it will procure, the PMO or end-user
unit must consider the objectives of the project or the procurement at hand, and identify the
standards that should be met by the goods in terms of function, performance, environmental
interface and/or design. It must also conduct a market survey that will include a study of the
available products or services, industry developments or standards, product or service
standards specified by the authorized government entity like the Bureau of Product
Standards, ISO9000 or similar local or international bodies. As a rule, Philippine standards,
as specified by the Bureau of Product Standards, must be followed. For products where there
are no specified Philippine standards, the standards of the country of origin or other
international body may be considered. Product brochures, technical publications, industry
newsletters, the industry itself, as well as the Internet, are good sources of product
information. The conduct of a comparative study of the options available in the market and
their relevance to the requirements of the Project is highly recommended.
In-house experts who are part of the TWG or the PMO must likewise be tapped to provide
technical advice. If there are no in-house experts available to provide advice on highly
technical Goods, the Procuring Entity may hire consultants to assist it in developing the
technical specifications for the procurement at hand.
It is important to note that the use of brand names is prohibited by the IRR-A. Specifications
for the procurement of goods shall be based on relevant characteristics and/or performance
requirements. Hence, a generic description of the product or service must be used. 1
What is the “Approved Budget for the Contract” or the ABC?
The ABC is the budget for the contract duly approved by the Head of the Procuring Entity, as
provided for in:
1 FAPs guidelines generally require the procuring entity to specify internationally accepted standards such as those issued
by the International Standards Organization with which the equipment or materials or workmanship should comply, except
that where such international standards are unavailable or are inappropriate, national standards may be specified. For
this reason, the procuring entity should refer to the pertinent provisions of the applicable standard bidding documents for
the project. For example, although specifications should be based on relevant characteristics and/or performance
requirements, and references to brand names, catalog numbers, or similar classifications should be avoided, in certain
instances, it may be necessary to quote a brand name or catalog number of a particular manufacturer to clarify an
otherwise incomplete specification, the words “or its equivalent” should be added after such reference. The

Page 11 of 128
1. The GAA and/or continuing appropriations, in the case of NGAs;
2. The corporate budget for the contract approved by the governing board, pursuant to
E.O. No. 518, series of 1979, in the case of GOCCs and GFIs; and R.A. No. 8292, in
the case of SUCs; or
3. The budget approved by the Sanggunian in the case of LGUs.
Thus, the ABC referred to in R.A. 9184 and its IRR-A basically refers to the proposed budget
for the project approved by the Head of the Procuring Entity based on the APP as
consolidated from various PPMPs.2
What are the factors that should be considered in determining the ABC?
In determining the ABC, the PMO or end-user unit, with the assistance of the TWG (when
necessary), must consider the different cost components, namely:
1. The cost or market price of the product or service itself;
2. Incidental expenses like freight, insurance, taxes, installation costs, training costs, if
necessary, and cost of inspection;
3. The cost of money, to account for government agencies usually buying on credit
terms;
4. Inflationary factor, since the planning phase is usually done one year ahead of the
actual procurement date;
5. Quantities, considering that buying in bulk usually means lower unit prices; and
6. The supply of spare parts and/or maintenance services, if these are part of the
contract package.
If the project or contract has a foreign component, it is also best to include a currency
valuation adjustment factor, in order to address foreign exchange rate fluctuations between
the planning phase and the actual procurement date. To determine the factor to be used, the
PMO or end-user unit may request for guidance from the BSP, or refer to BSP forecasts, if
available.
If the sum of the different cost components is lower than the appropriation for the
procurement, then the ABC should be equal to the sum of the cost components. If the
resulting sum is higher than the appropriation, it is advisable to review the technical
specifications and the computation of the ABC. In any case, the ABC should not exceed the
appropriation.
In case of adjustment of ABC due to failure of bidding, GPPB Resolution 07-2005 provides
that the ABC may be adjusted upwards only under the following conditions:
specifications shall then permit the acceptance of offers for goods which have similar characteristics and which provide
performance at least substantially equivalent to those specified.
2
For FAPs, reference to the standard bidding documents for the project should be made to determine the applicability of
the ABC.

Page 12 of 147
1. There has been failure of bidding for the second time due to all bids submitted
exceeding the ABC or no bids have been submitted, or failure in the negotiated
procurement after two failed biddings; and
2. There has been previous modification of the terms, conditions and specifications of
the project based on Section 35 of the IRR-A, except when the project is indivisible,
where the technical component is an integral part of the whole that cannot be
reduced, and it constitutes the minimum requirement of the Procuring Entity for
which there are no substitutes.
GPPB Resolution 07-2005 further states that the ABC may be adjusted downwards if there is
a need to reflect actual market prices and/or scope of work or suit actual field conditions of
the project. Upon adjustment of ABC, the Procuring Entity must conduct re-bidding with
readvertisement/posting. Any succeeding adjustment of the ABC shall be in accordance with
these guidelines.

Page 13 of 128
Preparing the Bidding Documents
What are Bidding Documents?
Bidding documents are documents issued by the Procuring Entity to provide prospective
bidders all the necessary information that they need to prepare their bids. (IRR-A Section 5
[f]) These clearly and adequately define, among others:
1. The objectives, scope and expected outputs and/or results of the proposed contract;
2. The technical specifications of Goods to be procured;
3. Expected contract duration, the estimated quantity in the case of procurement of

goods, delivery schedule and/or time frame;
4. The obligations, duties and/or functions of the winning bidder; and
5. The minimum eligibility requirements of bidders, such as track record to be

determined by the Head of the Procuring Entity. (IRR-A Section 17.2)
What are the contents of Bidding Documents?
The Philippine Bidding Documents (PBDs) contain the following: 2
1. Invitation to Apply for Eligibility and to Bid (IAEB);
2. Instructions to Bidders (ITB);
3. Bid Data Sheet (BDS);
4. General Conditions of Contract (GCC);
5. Special Conditions of Contract (SCC);
6. Schedule of Requirements;
7. Technical Specifications of the Goods and Services to be procured; and
8. Sample Forms as annexed in the PBDs.
The specifications and other terms in the bidding documents shall reflect minimum
requirements. A bidder may, therefore, be allowed to submit a superior offer. However, in
the evaluation of the bids, no premium or bonus must be given as a result of this superior
offer. (IRR-A Section 17.4) This rule is based on the nature of the procedure used to
evaluate the technical proposals – a “pass/fail” method - such that the presence or absence
of the technical requirements is the sole basis for determining technical compliance. After
having established compliance with the technical specifications, the next factor to consider
would then be the price or financial bid.
2 The contents of the standard bidding documents for FAPs may vary.

Page 14 of 147
In addition to properly crafted Bidding Documents, what other practices

may a Procuring Entity observe to ensure a successful procurement?
1. All prospective bidders should be provided the same information, and should be
assured of equal opportunities to obtain additional information on a timely basis.
2. Procuring entities should provide reasonable access to project sites for visits by
prospective bidders.
3. For complex supply contracts, particularly for those requiring refurbishing existing
equipment, a pre-bid conference may be arranged whereby potential bidders may
meet with the Procuring Entity’s representatives to seek clarifications (in person or
online). Minutes of the conference should be provided to all prospective bidders (in
hard copy or sent electronically).
4. Any additional information, clarification, correction of errors, or modifications of

bidding documents should be sent to each recipient of the original bidding documents
in sufficient time before the deadline for receipt of bids to enable bidders to take
appropriate actions. If necessary, the deadline should be extended.
Who shall participate in the preparation of the Bidding Documents?
The following must participate in the preparation of the bidding documents:
1. The BAC;
2. The TWG;
3. The end-user unit/PMO; 4. Consultants, if any; and
5. The BAC Secretariat / Procurement Unit.
When should you prepare the Bidding Documents?
The bidding documents must be prepared in time for presentation at the pre-procurement
conference. After the conference, and before the advertisement and/or posting of the IAEB,
it should be ascertained that these documents will be ready and available for issuance to
prospective bidders on the day the IAEB is first advertised.
What various types and sizes of contracts may be provided in the Bidding
Documents?
The bidding documents should clearly state the type of contract to be entered into and
contain the proposed contract provisions appropriate therefore. The most common types of
contracts provide for payments on the basis of a lump sum, unit price, or combinations
thereof.3
The size and scope of individual contracts will depend on the magnitude, nature, and location
of the project, for example:
3 Reimbursable cost contracts are acceptable to IFIs only in exceptional circumstances such as conditions of high risk or
where costs cannot be determined in advanced with sufficient accuracy. Such contracts should include appropriate
incentives to limit costs.

Page 15 of 128
1. For projects requiring a variety of goods and works, separate contracts may be
awarded for the supply and/or installation of different items of equipment and plant
(“plant” refers to installed equipment, as in a production facility) and for the works.
2. For a project requiring similar but separate items of equipment or works, bids may be
invited under alternative contract options that would attract the interest of both small
and large firms, which could be allowed, at their option, to bid for individual contracts
(slices/items) or for a group of similar contracts (package). All bids and combinations
of bids should be received by the same deadline and opened and evaluated
simultaneously so as to determine the bid or combination of bids offering the lowest
calculated cost to the Procuring Entity.
Methodology: How are the Bidding Documents prepared?
The BAC Secretariat/TWG, with the assistance of consultants (if any) and the end-user
unit/PMO, prepares the bidding documents following the standard forms and manuals
prescribed by the GPPB (IRR-A Section 17.1). The bidding documents must contain the
following information:
1. ABC and source of funds;
2. Date, time and place of the pre-bid conference (where applicable), submission of bids
and opening of bids;
3. Eligibility requirements;
TIPS: Let’s
4. ITB, including criteria for eligibility, bid evaluation and
post-qualification, submission of bids, and opening of
make doing
bids; things easier
5. Scope of Work (SOW), for services; To monitor the issuance

of bidding documents, the
6. Technical Specifications, which must not contain any BAC may label or number
reference to brand names; copies of such
documents, i.e., “Copy
No. 1, 2, 3, etc.” or “Copy
7. Form of Bid, Price Form, and List of Goods or Bill of for Observer”, “Copy for
Quantities; BAC Member No.1”. The
Secretariat may choose a
8. Delivery Time or Completion Schedule; numbering or labeling
system that is appropriate
9. Form, amount and validity period of Bid Security; for the Procuring Entity.
10. Form and amount of Performance Security and

Warranty; and
11. Form of Contract, GCC and SCC.
The Procuring Entity may require additional document requirements or specifications, where
applicable and necessary for prospective bidders to prepare their respective bids. The
bidding documents, as amended, shall subsequently form an integral part of the contract.
(IRR-A Section 17.3) Statements not made in writing at any stage of the bidding process
shall not modify the bidding documents.
What is a Bid Security?

Page 16 of 147
A bid security is a guarantee that the successful bidder will:
1. Not default on its offer, and
2. Enter into contract with the Procuring Entity within ten (10) calendar days, or less as
indicated in the ITB, from receipt of the Notice of Award, and furnish the performance
security provided for in Section 39 of the Act and its IRR-A. (IRR-A Section 27.1)
A bid security must be submitted with every bid. It must be operative on the date of bid
opening, and payable to the Procuring Entity.
What are the forms of Bid Security and the corresponding amounts
required?
The bid security shall be in any of the following forms, with the corresponding required
amount:4 (IRR-A Section 27.2)
FORM OF BID SECURITY MINIMUM AMOUNT
a. Cash, certified check, cashier’s check/manager’s 1% of ABC

check, bank draft; or
b. Irrevocable letter of credit issued by a reputable 1% of ABC
commercial bank or in the case of an irrevocable
letter of credit issued by a foreign bank, the same
shall be confirmed or authenticated by a reputable
local bank; or
c. Bank guarantee confirmed by a reputable local bank 1 ½% of ABC
or in the case of a foreign bidder, bonded by a
foreign bank; or
d. Surety bond callable upon demand issued by a 2 ½% of ABC
reputable surety or insurance company; or
e. Any combination of the foregoing forms; or The total amount shall not
be less than 2 ½ % of the
ABC
f. Foreign government guarantee as provided in an 100% of ABC
executive, bilateral or multilateral agreement, as
may be required by the Head of the Procuring Entity
concerned.
For purposes of determining the amount of the bid security in biddings with lots or items,
whereby a bidder submits a bid for more than one lot or item, the bid security shall be based
upon the sum of the ABC for each of the lots or items for which bids are submitted.
Who determines the form of the Bid Security to be submitted by bidders?
The Procuring Entity must specify in the bidding documents the preferred forms of bid
security and the respective amounts thereof. The bidder must choose which among the
preferred forms it shall submit.
The Procuring Entity is encouraged to give preference to those forms of bid securities that
are both easier to call and more accessible to suppliers, such as managers’ checks, cashiers’
checks, irrevocable letters of credit or bank guarantees.
4 For FAPs, reference should be made to the appropriate standard bidding documents for the project in order to determine
the applicable amount and form of the bid security.

Page 17 of 128
What is the period of validity of Bids and the corresponding Bid Security?
Bids and bid securities must be valid for a reasonable period of time as determined by the
Head of the Procuring Entity. This time period must be indicated in the bidding documents,
but in no case should it exceed one hundred twenty (120) calendar days from the date of the
opening of bids. (IRR-A Section 28) The recommended norm for bid validity is ninety (90)
calendar days with the corresponding bid security valid for one hundred twenty (120)
calendar days to provide reasonable time (thirty (30) calendar days) for the Procuring Entity
to act if the security is to be called.
Should it become necessary to extend the validity of the bids and the bid securities, the
Procuring Entity should request in writing all those who submitted bids for such extension
before the expiry date thereof. Bidders shall have the right to refuse to grant such extension
without forfeiting their bid securities. The bid security of bidders who refuse to grant the
Procuring Entity’s request for an extension of the validity of their respective bid securities will
have these securities returned to them. (IRR-A Section 37.2.2) However, they are deemed
to have waived their right to further participate in the bidding.
In what currency shall the Bid Security be denominated?
The bid security must be denominated in Philippine currency (IRR-A Section 27.3), except
that foreign bidders which are allowed to submit foreign currency denominated bids may also
submit bid securities that are denominated in a freely convertible currency allowed or
specified in the bidding documents.
What happens if a bidder does not submit a Bid Security?
Its bid will be rejected.
When should Bid Securities be returned to the bidders?
No bid securities shall be returned to bidders after the opening of bids and before contract
signing, except to those that failed to comply with any of the requirements submitted in the
technical envelope of the bids. Without prejudice to the provisions of the law allowing
forfeiture of bid securities, bid securities shall be returned only after the bidder with the LCRB
has signed the contract and furnished the performance security, but in no case later than the
expiration of the bid security validity period indicated in the ITB. (IRR-A Section 27.4)
What is a Performance Security?
A performance security is a guarantee that the winning bidder will faithfully perform its
obligations under the contract prepared in accordance with the bidding documents. (IRR-A
Section 39.1) It must be posted in favor of the Procuring Entity, and will be forfeited in the
latter’s favor in the event it is established that the winning bidder is in default in any of its
obligations under the contract. (IRR-A Section 39.2)
When shall the Performance Security be posted by the Bidder with the
LCRB?

Page 18 of 147
Within a maximum period of ten (10) calendar days from the receipt of the Notice of Award
from the Procuring Entity, and in all cases upon the signing of the contract, the successful
bidder should furnish the Procuring Entity with the performance security in accordance with
the Conditions of Contract, and in the Form prescribed in the Bidding Documents. (IRR-A
Section 39.1) The performance security forms part of the contract. (IRR-A Section
37.2.3) (Please refer to Step 6, Post-Qualify for further discussions on the LCRB.)
What are the forms of Performance Security and the corresponding

amounts required?
The performance security must be in any of the following or a combination of forms with the
corresponding required amounts:5
FORM OF PERFORMANCE SECURITY MINIMUM AMOUNT
a. Cash, certified check, cashier’s/manager’s check, bank 5% of contract price

draft; or
b. Irrevocable letter of credit issued by a reputable 5% of contract price
commercial bank or in the case of an irrevocable letter
of credit issued by a foreign bank, the same shall be
confirmed or authenticated by a reputable local bank;
or
c. Bank guarantee confirmed by a reputable local bank or 10% of contract price
in the case of a foreign winning bidder, bonded by a
foreign bank; or
d. Surety bond callable upon demand issued by any 30% of contract price
reputable surety or insurance company; or
e. Any combination of the foregoing forms; or The total amount shall
not be less than 30 % of
the Contract Price
f. A foreign government guarantee as provided in an 100% of contract price
executive, bilateral or multilateral agreement, as may
be required by the Head of the Procuring Entity
concerned.
Who determines the form of the Performance Security to be submitted by

winning bidder?
The Procuring Entity must specify in the bidding documents the preferred forms of
performance security and the respective amounts thereof. The winning bidder must choose
which among the preferred forms it shall submit.
In case of amendments in the contract price, will there be a corresponding

change in the amount of the Performance Security?
Yes. The winning bidder shall post an additional performance security following the schedule
above to cover any cumulative increase of more than ten percent (10%) over the original
value of the contract as a result of amendments to order. (Section 1.4 Annex “D” of IRR-
A as amended by Section 1.4 M.O. 176, s. 2005) The percentages in the schedule above
must be applied to increases in the original value of the contract. The winning bidder must
5 For FAPs, reference should be made to the appropriate standard bidding documents for the project in order to determine
the applicable amount and form of the performance security.

Page 19 of 128
also cause the extension of the validity of the performance security to cover approved
contract time extensions.
If the contract value is reduced because part of the goods or services under the contract had
already been delivered or completed, and accepted by the government, the Procuring Entity
shall allow a proportional reduction in the original performance security. However, this
proportional reduction in the value of the performance security is allowed only when the
contract allows for partial deliveries or performance. Moreover, the reductions must be more
than ten percent (10%), and the aggregate of such reductions must not be more than fifty
percent (50%) of the original performance security. (IRR-A Section 39.6)
When may the Performance Security be released?
Subject to the conditions of the contract, the Procuring Entity may release the performance
security to the winning bidder after the issuance of the Certificate of Acceptance of the
goods, provided that there are no claims filed against the contract awardee or the surety
company.
However, it must ensure that the performance security is replaced by a warranty covering the
defects liability period in accordance with IRR-A Section 62.
Who are the parties involved in the posting of the Performance Security?
The bidder with the LCRB, the Procuring Entity and the issuer of the security, e.g., the
banking/financial institution or the insurance company, are all involved in the posting of the
performance security.
Methodology: How is the Performance Security posted?
The following steps are followed in the posting of the performance security:
1. The bidder with the LCRB posts a performance security. In so doing, it must comply
with the following conditions:
a. The performance security must be executed in the form prescribed by the

Procuring Entity in the ITB; and
b. The performance security must at least be co-terminus with the period of

completion of the contract.
2. The procurement unit/office accepts the performance security and indicates such
posting and acceptance by attaching the appropriate form to the contract.
Conduct of the Pre-Procurement Conference
What is a Pre-procurement Conference?

Page 20 of 147
The pre-procurement conference is the forum where all officials involved in the procurement
meet and discuss all aspects of a specific procurement activity, which includes the technical
specifications, the ABC, the applicability and appropriateness of the recommended method of
procurement and the related milestones, the bidding documents, and availability of the
pertinent budget release for the project.
Why is a Pre-procurement Conference necessary?
For projects involving an ABC amounting to more than Two Million Pesos (P 2 Million), a
preprocurement conference is conducted to determine the readiness of the Procuring Entity to
procure goods and services in terms of the legal, technical and financial requirements of the
project. More specifically, it ensures that the procurement will proceed in accordance with the
PPMP and APP, confirms the availability of appropriations and programmed budget for the
contract, and reviews all relevant documents in relation to their adherence to the law. (IRR-
A Section 20)
Even when the ABC amounts to P 2 Million and below, the BAC is encouraged to conduct a
pre-procurement conference if the circumstances, like the complexity of the technical
specifications, warrant the holding of such conference before the Procuring Entity proceeds
with the procurement.
When do you conduct a Pre-procurement Conference?
The pre-procurement conference must be conducted prior to the advertisement or issuance of

the IAEB. (IRR-A Section 20.1) At least seven (7) calendar days prior to publication or
issuance of the IAEB would be an advisable timeframe for the pre-procurement conference, to
give the technical staff sufficient time to incorporate the necessary changes, amendments or
revisions thereto.
Who calls for a Pre-procurement Conference?
The BAC calls for a pre-procurement conference.
Who are the participants of a Pre-procurement Conference?
The participants of the pre-procurement conference are:
1. The BAC;
2. The BAC Secretariat/ Procuring Unit;
3. Representatives of the PMO or end-user unit/s;
4. The members of the TWG/s and consultants hired by the Procuring Entity who prepared
the technical specifications, TORs, bidding documents and the draft advertisement, as the
case may be, for the procurement at hand;
5. Officials who reviewed the above-enumerated documents prior to final approval, if any;
and
6. Other officials concerned, as may be required.

Page 21 of 128
What should a Pre-procurement Conference achieve?
A pre-procurement conference should: (IRR-A

How’s that again?
Section 20.1)
A “fair” evaluation criteria means such

1. Ensure that the procurement is in
as are applicable to all similar goods
accordance with the PPMP and APP.
offered in the market, and are not
tailorfit or customized for a particular
2. Determine the availability of the
product/service or brand.
appropriations and programmed
budget for the contract;
3. Determine the state of readiness of the pertinent budget release (e.g., ABM or
SARO);
4. Review, modify and agree on the criteria for eligibility screening, and ensure that the
said criteria are fair, reasonable, and that they are of the “pass/fail” type and are
written in such manner; (IRR-A Section 20.1.3)
5. Review, modify and agree on the criteria for the evaluation of bids/proposals, and
ensure that the said criteria are fair,
Let’s make doing things reasonable and applicable to the
easier procurement at hand;
If a Procuring Entity has to procure 6. Review, modify and agree on the acceptable
similar goods or services, although minimum specifications and
through different public bidding other terms in the bidding documents;
activities, it may opt to hold just one
pre-procurement conference to simplify 7. Review the PPMP, including the milestones
or shorten the process. and the method of procurement for the
procurement at
hand;
8. Reiterate and emphasize the “no contact rule” during the bid evaluation
process, and the applicable sanctions and penalties, as well as agree on measures to
ensure compliance with the foregoing. (Please refer Step 5, Evaluate Bids for a
discussion on the “no contact rule”.); and
9. Ensure that the requirements of the goods and services to be procured are in
accordance with the ABC.

SECTION 3
The Procurement Service of the

Department of Budget and
Management and the Philippine
Government Electronic
Procurement System
Page 25 of 128
The PS-DBM and the PhilGEPS
What is the mandate of the PS-DBM?
The PS-DBM was created under LOI No. 755 (Relative to the Establishment of an Integrated
Procurement System for the National Government and its Instrumentalities) with the
following functions, among others:
1. Identify those supplies, materials, and such other items, including equipment and
construction materials, which can be economically purchased through central
procurement and which it shall cover within its scope of activity;
2. Determine the technical specifications of items that it will procure for agencies of the
Government;
3. Identify the sources of supply which are able to offer the best prices, terms and
other conditions for the items procured by government; and
4. Purchase, warehouse and distribute items for resale to agencies of government,

including GOCCs.
Moreover, it is mandated under the GPRA to administer the Government Electronic

Procurement System or the G-EPS.
All procuring entities are directed to purchase common-use supplies from the PS-DBM.
What is the policy of the Government with respect to the use of the
PhilGEPS for the procurement of goods?
To promote transparency and efficiency, information and communications technology shall

be utilized in the conduct of procurement procedures. Accordingly, there shall be a single
portal that shall serve as the primary source of information on government procurement. The
PhilGEPS shall serve as the primary and definitive source of information on government
procurement. For this purpose, the Electronic Procurement System established in accordance
with Executive Order No. 322, s. 2000 and Executive Order NO. 40, s. 2001 shall be
continued to be managed by the PS-DBM under the supervision of the GPPB, as the PhilGEPS
in accordance with the IRR-A.
All procuring entities are required to use the PhilGEPS in all its procurement of common-use
supplies. For the procurement of non-common use items, procuring entities may hire service
providers through competitive bidding to undertake their electronic procurement. (Refer to
the GPPB Circular 01-2005)
To fully comply with the requirement under Section 8.2.1 (a) of the IRR-A, and to promote
transparency and efficiency in government procurement, all notices of awards of contract,
and other related information must be posted in the bulletin board of the PhilGEPS website,
being the single portal of information on all government procurement activities, in addition to
the posting in the website of the Procuring Entity concerned, if available.
Page 26 of 138
What present features of the PhilGEPS and the PS-DBM website are of
special relevance to the procurement of goods?
As discussed in Volume 1 Section 6, the existing PhilGEPS has two features that are of
special relevance to the procurement of goods, namely: (i) notification feature which
includes the posting of IAEBs and other notices, as well as the matching of procurement
opportunities with the appropriate supplier; and (ii) the registry of suppliers.
Additionally, the DBM-PS website (www.procurementservice.org) contains an electronic

catalogue of common-use supplies that can be bought from the PS-DBM. This catalogue
includes the descriptions of the items, current prices, stock positions, and other relevant
information. Although this information is available online, purchasing is currently still done
manually.
Methodology: How does a Procuring Entity procure through the PS-DBM?
The following steps are undertaken in the procurement, by a Procuring Entity, of goods
through the PS-DBM:
1. The Procuring Entity transacts with the PS-DBM through its duly authorized
personnel, designated in accordance with the following guidelines:
a. For purposes of
TIPS: Let’s make coordinating with the PSDBM and the PhilGEPS
doing
regarding the procurement of common-use
things easier supplies, a Procurement Officer who is also a
member of the BAC Secretariat shall serve as
The Procuring Entity should institute the the liaison officer;
appropriate systems and procedures
between the Procurement Officer and the b. For purposes of
Supply Officer in order that coordination coordinating with the PSDBM regarding the
between them with regard to their delivery of goods and technical inspection
transaction with the PS-DBM would be thereof, the Supply Officer shall liaise with the
optimal. This essentially means that former;
documents and information are passed on
from the Procurement Officer to the Supply 2. The Procurement Officer registers with
Officer, who takes over the procurement the PhilGEPS and he/she is
function upon delivery, inspection, and
issued a Certification, a user-name
acceptance of the procured goods. and a system-generated password.
(Note: Procedures covering the various activities that require coordination with the
PhilGEPS are indicated in the appropriate Sections of this Manual. Reference may
also be made to Volume 1)
3. For the procurement of common–use supplies, the procurement unit or office

obtains from the PS-DBM its latest Price List of Common-Use Supplies. It then
prepares the APR where it will indicate the description, quantity and price of the
goods it will procure.
4. The APR is submitted to the appropriate official of the Procuring Entity for approval,
and to the Chief Accountant for certification of availability of funds.
5. Upon its approval and the certification of funds for it, the APR is forwarded to the
Finance Office for the preparation of the corresponding DV and MDS check payable
to PS-DBM. The same shall go through the regular approval process for similar
documents.
Page 27 of 128
6. The approved APR, together with the MDS check, is submitted to PS-DBM for
appropriate action. (Note: The internal procedures of the PS-DBM are embodied in
their Operations Manual. Reference
thereto may be made. )
Let’s make doing things
7. Once the PS-DBM indicates to the easier
procurement unit or office the schedule of
delivery and inspection, The Procuring Entity may wish to
the latter immediately informs consider authorizing the DBM to
the appropriate Supply Officer and turn withhold a certain amount of its
over the necessary documents to him (APR budget for the procurement of
and technical descriptions of the goods common-use supplies from the
procured, if any). PSDBM. In doing so, it is spared of
preparing the DV and MDS check.
8. The Supply Officer coordinates with the Its Procurement Officer, instead,
Technical Inspection and Acceptance shall indicate in the APR that
Committee for the technical inspection of appropriate funds have been
the goods procured and the subsequent deposited with the PS-DBM to cover
acceptance by the said Committee. the cost of the supplies being
procured.
SECTION 4
Instructions on the Procedural

Steps for the Procurement of
Goods and Services
PART ONE – COMPETITIVE BIDDING
Page 32 of 128
Competitive Bidding
What is Competitive Bidding?
Competitive or Public Bidding is a method of procurement that is open to any interested and
qualified party. All procurement should be done through Public Bidding except as provided in
Rule XVI of the IRR-A. (IRR-A Section 10)
Competitive Bidding consists of the following processes: advertisement, pre-bid conference,

receipt of eligibility documents and bids, eligibility check, opening and examination of bids,
evaluation of bids, post-qualification, and award of contract. (IRR-A Section 5 [h])A
Procuring Entity should, therefore, see to it that its procurement program allows enough
time to conduct such Public Bidding.
There are two (2) types of Competitive Bidding procedures: the Single-Stage and Two-
Stage. The Single-Stage bidding is the regular procedure used for competitive or public
bidding while the two stage bidding is employed when the required technical specifications/
requirements of the contract cannot be precisely defined in advance of bidding, or where the
problem of technically unequal bids is likely to occur.
The steps of the Single-Stage Bidding procedure will first be discussed in this section, to be
followed by those of the Two-Stage Bidding procedure.

Page 33 of 128
Single-Stage Competitive Bidding
Step 1 Advertise and Post an Invitation to Apply for

Eligibility and to Bid
What is the Invitation to Apply for Eligibility and to Bid (IAEB)?
The IAEB serves as the notice to the public and all interested parties of the procurement and
bidding opportunities of the Procuring Entity.
Why do you post an Invitation to Apply for Eligibility and to Bid?
It ensures transparency of the procurement process, widest possible dissemination to

increase the number of prospective bidders, and intensify competition for the procurement
activity or project. Intensified competition, in turn, will ensure that the government, in
general, and the Procuring Entity, in particular, will get the best possible quality and cost for
the goods and services sought to be procured.
What does an Invitation to Apply for Eligibility and to Bid contain?
The IAEB must contain the following: (IRR-A Section 21.1)
1. The name of the contract to be bid, and a brief description of the goods to be
procured;
2. A general statement on the criteria to be used by the Procuring Entity for:
a. The eligibility check;
b. The examination and evaluation of bids; and
c. Post-qualification;
3. The date, time and place of the deadline for:
a. The submission and receipt of the eligibility requirements;
b. The pre-bid conference if any;
c. The submission and receipt of bids; and
d. The opening of bids;
4. The ABC;
5. The source of funding;

Page 34 of 128
6. The period of availability of the bidding documents, the place where the bidding
documents may be secured and, where applicable, the price of the bidding
documents;
7. The contract duration or delivery schedule;
8. The name, address, telephone number, facsimile number, e-mail and website
addresses of the concerned Procuring Entity, as well as its designated contact person;
9. The Reservation Clause, which is normally located at the bottom of the notice; and
10. Such other necessary information deemed relevant by the Procuring Entity.
The invitation should provide information that enables potential bidders to decide whether to
participate. As such, apart from the above essential items, the IAEB should also indicate any
important bid evaluation criteria (for example, the application of a margin of preference in bid
evaluation) or qualification requirement (for example, a requirement for a minimum level of
experience in manufacturing a similar type of product for which the invitation is issued).
The deadline for the submission of bids indicated in the IAEB should be no later than thirty
(30) calendar days from the date of advertisement and/or first day of posting.
When, where, and for how long do you post an Invitation to Apply for
Eligibility and to Bid?
The IAEB for procurements or projects with ABCs of more than Two Million Pesos (P 2 Million)
must be advertised and posted as follows: (IRR-A Section 21.2.1)
1. Advertised at least once in one (1) newspaper of general nationwide circulation which
has been regularly published for at least two (2) years before the date of issue of the
advertisement (advisably from the 7th calendar day after the pre-procurement
conference, but if during the pre-procurement conference the BAC finds that it is not
prepared to undertake the bidding procedure, it should not hesitate to consider
moving back the advertisement/posting thereof to allow more time to perfect the
same);
2. Continuously on the website of the Procuring Entity concerned, if available, the

website of the Procuring Entity’s service provider, if any, as provided in IRR-A Section
8, and the PhilGEPS for seven (7) calendar days starting on date of advertisement, if
applicable; and
3. At any conspicuous place reserved for this purpose in the premises of the Procuring
Entity concerned, as certified by the head of the BAC Secretariat of the Procuring
Entity concerned, for seven (7) calendar days, if applicable.
For projects with ABCs of P 2 Million and below, the IAEB should be posted: (IRR-A Section
21.2.3)
1. Continuously on the website of the Procuring Entity concerned, if available, the

website of the Procuring Entity’s service provider, if any, as provided in IRR-A Section
8, and the PhilGEPS for seven (7) calendar days starting on date of advertisement, if
applicable; and

Page 35 of 128
2. At any conspicuous place reserved for this purpose in the premises of the Procuring
Entity concerned, as certified by the head of the BAC Secretariat of the Procuring
Entity concerned, for seven (7) calendar days, if applicable.
For provincial projects, as described in Section 44 of the IRR-A, or programs funded out of
the GAA for implementation within the province, in addition to the above advertisement and
posting requirements, the IAEB may be advertised in a local newspaper with the widest
circulation for the same prescribed period.
Which unit shall ensure that the advertising/posting requirements of the

IAEB are complied with?
The BAC is responsible for ensuring that the IAEB is advertised and posted in accordance with
law.
Methodology: How are IAEBs advertised and posted?
The following steps are followed in the advertising and posting of IAEBs: 6
1. For public bidding of contracts with an ABC costing more than Two Million Pesos (P 2
Million)
a. The BAC Secretariat prepares the draft IAEB for review/approval of the BAC.
b. The BAC approves the contents of the IAEB during the pre-procurement
conference.
c. The BAC Secretariat posts the IAEB in any conspicuous place reserved for this
purpose in the premises of the Procuring Entity for the duration required; and
this fact will be certified to by the head of the Secretariat.
d. The BAC Secretariat advertises the IAEB in a newspaper for the duration
required, as prescribed above. For priority programs and projects funded out
of the annual GAA, which are intended for implementation within the
province, the IAEB may also be advertised in a local newspaper for the same
duration as above.
e. The BAC Secretariat, through its member who is authorized to transact with
the PhilGEPS, posts the IAEB in the following websites: the PhilGEPS, that of
the Procuring Entity, and the Procuring Entity’s e-procurement service
provider, if any, for the duration required.
2. For public bidding of contracts with an ABC costing Two Million Pesos (P2 Million) and
below, and for alternative methods of procurement (Please refer to Section 4, Part 2,
for the discussion on Alternative Methods of Procurement):
a. The BAC Secretariat prepares the draft IAEB for review/approval of the BAC.
b. The BAC approves the contents of the IAEB.
c. The BAC Secretariat performs steps (c) and (e) in Item No. 1 above.
What is the Reservation Clause?

6 FAPs may have additional publication requirements. For this reason, reference should be made to the appropriate
standard bidding documents for the project.

Page 36 of 128
The Reservation Clause declares that the Procuring Entity reserves the right to reject any and
all bids, to declare a failure of bidding, or not to award the contract. (IRR-A Section 41)
In the case of Mata v. San Diego, G.R. No. L-30447 (March 21, 1975), the Supreme Court of
the Philippines declared that a bidder is bound by the reservation clause, and the said clause
vests in the authority concerned the discretion to ascertain who among the bidders is the
lowest responsive bidder or the lowest and best bidder or most advantageous to the best
interest of the Government. As such, a bidder has no right or cause of action to compel the
BAC or agency to award the contract to it. The Court further stated that this requires inquiry,
investigation, comparison, deliberation and decision – a quasi-judicial function which, when
honestly exercised, may not be reviewed by the courts. It should be noted, however, that
R.A. 9184 Section 41, has placed some limiting qualifiers on the possible contents of the
Reservation Clause.
A Procuring Entity should be prudent in the use of the reservation clause, because if the Head
of the Procuring Entity abuses his power to reject any and all bids, as provided by therein,
with manifest preference to any bidder who is closely related to him in accordance with IRR-A
Section 47, or if it is proven that he exerted undue influence or undue pressure on any
member of the BAC or any officer or employee of the Procuring Entity to take such action,
and the same favors or tends to favor a particular bidder, he shall be meted with the
penalties provided in IRR-A Section 65. (IRR-A Section 65.1.5)

Page 37 of 128
Step 2 Issue the Bidding Documents
When should the bidding documents be made available to prospective

bidders?
The bidding documents must be made available to the prospective bidders from the time the
IAEB is advertised until immediately before the deadline for submission of bids. (IRR-A
Section 17.5) The Procuring Entity must ensure that prospective bidders are given ample
time to examine the bidding documents and to prepare their respective bids. A maximum
period of thirty (30) calendar days from the date of advertisement and/or first day of posting
of the IAEB up to opening of bids is provided by Section 21.2.2 of the IRR-A, which means
that there is a period of thirty (30) calendar days for which the bidding documents are
available for purchase.
The bidding documents are strictly confidential and shall not be divulged or released to any
person prior to its official release. It is advisable for a Procuring Entity to post an abstract or
a summary of the bidding documents, containing general information about the procurement
at hand, in the PhilGEPS website, the website of the Procuring Entity, and the website of its
electronic procurement system service provider, if any. This abstract may then be viewed
even by non-registered users of the PhilGEPS or of the other websites mentioned.
How much must prospective bidders pay for the Bidding Documents?
The BAC must consider the cost recovery component in determining the price which
interested suppliers would have to pay for the bidding documents to ensure that the same
would not have an effect of discouraging competition.
The cost recovery component may include the following:
1. Direct costs, which includes:
a. Development costs, which are incurred in developing the original content of

the documents, designs, plans and specifications. However, the design cost
may be excluded if it is to be included in the capitalized cost of the project, or
the project cost, which is to be recovered from the use of the completed
project facility;
b. Reproduction costs, which are labor, supplies and equipment rental costs
incurred in the reproduction of the documents; and
c. Communication costs, which include mail and fax costs, plus costs of
advertising, meetings, internet/web posting, and other costs incurred for the
dissemination of information about the bidding.
2. Indirect costs, such as overhead, supervision, and administrative costs, allocated to

the bidding activity. This may include the costs of paying honoraria to the officers
and personnel of the Procuring Entity who are entitled thereto under the law. Under
Budget Circular No. 2004-5A, dated October 7, 2005, the chairs and members of the
BAC and the TWG may be paid honoraria for successfully completed procurement
projects, subject to the rates provided therein; and, for this reason, agencies are
allowed to retain one hundred percent (100%) of their collections from the sale of
bidding documents, among others, to be used exclusively for the payment of such

Page 38 of 128
honoraria or overtime pay, provided that the same shall not exceed twenty-five
percent (25%) of the basic monthly salary of the officer or personnel entitled thereto.
(Note that Budget Circular No. 2004-5A was issued in accordance with Section 15 of
R.A. 9184)
In practice, cost recovery entails getting the sum of Direct and Indirect Costs and dividing the
total by the expected number of prospective bidders who will purchase the bidding
documents. This number is an estimate derived from the initial survey of the industry
conducted by the procurement office/unit. The BAC is discouraged from using the cost of
bidding documents to limit the number of bidders. If the procurement involves a fairly large
acquisition of goods of a particular complexity, and project implementation requires a higher
level of size or capacity on the part of the supplier, it would be more advisable for the BAC to
allow the project requirements to naturally limit competition among capable suppliers, by
summarizing the qualification requirements in the IAEB and detailing these in the bidding
documents, rather than for the BAC to unilaterally increase the price of the bidding
documents and hope that this price discourages competition. As such, if the BAC wants to
encourage the participation of as many bidders as possible to create competition, it should
consider charging a lower price for the bidding documents, keeping in mind that this price
should be sufficient to recover the above-enumerated costs.
Methodology: How are the Bidding Documents issued?
The BAC Secretariat issues the bidding documents to the prospective bidders that may wish
to secure the said documents, or, if it is for sale, to those prospective bidders that may wish
to purchase the same. If the bidding documents are sold, only those prospective bidders that
have paid the amount required shall be issued bidding documents, and bidders should be
informed that the Procuring Entity will only accept bids from bidders that have purchased the
bidding documents from the office indicated in the IAEB. Prior to the issuance of the bidding
documents, prospective bidders may be required to show the official receipt as proof of
payment.
The BAC must issue copies of the bidding documents to the Observers free of charge.
What are the responsibilities of a prospective bidder with regard to the

Bidding Documents?
A prospective bidder must be responsible for having: (IRR-A Section 17.7.1)
1. Taken steps to carefully examine all of the bidding documents;
2. Acknowledged all conditions, local or otherwise, affecting the implementation of the

contract;
3. Made an estimate of the facilities available and needed for the contract to be bid, if
any; and
4. Complied with his responsibility as provided for under Section 22.5.1, which provides
that it shall be the responsibility of all those who have properly secured the bidding
documents to inquire and secure supplemental/bid bulletins that may be issued by
the BAC.
Failure to observe any of the above responsibilities shall be at the risk of the prospective or
eligible bidder concerned. For this purpose, one of the contents of the Technical proposal
would have to be a sworn statement executed by the bidder attesting to these
responsibilities.

Page 39 of 128
The Procuring Entity shall not be responsible for any erroneous interpretation or conclusions
by the prospective or eligible bidders of the data it furnished. (IRR-A Section 17.7.3)
Moreover, the bidders are deemed to have become familiar with all existing Philippine laws,
decrees, ordinances, acts and regulations that may affect the contract in any way. However,
if the contract is affected by new laws, ordinances, regulations or other acts of government
promulgated after the date of the bidding, a contract price adjustment shall be made or
appropriate relief shall be applied on a no loss-no gain basis, provided such is not covered by
the contract provisions on price adjustment. (IRR–A Section 17.7.4)

Page 40 of 128
Step 3 Call A Pre-Bid Conference and, if necessary, Issue

Supplemental/Bid Bulletins
What is a Pre-bid Conference?
The pre-bid conference is the initial forum where the Procuring Entity’s representatives and
the prospective bidders discuss the different aspects of the procurement at hand.
The ground rules that will govern the procurement are discussed during the conference. In
particular, the participants discuss the legal, technical and financial components of the
contract to be bid. This is also an opportunity for the prospective bidders to request for
clarifications about the bidding documents. However, it should be noted that any statement
made at the pre-bid conference would not modify the terms of the bidding documents, unless
such statement is specifically identified in writing as an amendment of the documents and
issued as a supplemental/bid bulletin. (IRR-A Section 22.4)
It is important that responsible and knowledgeable officials attend the conference. The
persons who actually formulated the scope of work, plans and technical specifications for the
project should be present and among those representing the Procuring Entity. Prospective
bidders, on the other hand, should be encouraged to send representatives who are legally
and technically knowledgeable about the requirements of the procurement at hand. It is also
important that the prospective bidders are given ample time to review the bidding documents
prior to the pre-bid conference.
When do you hold a Pre-bid Conference?
A pre-bid conference must be held for contracts with ABCs of at least One Million Pesos (P 1
Million). For contracts with ABCs of less than P 1 million, pre-bid conferences may or may not
be held at the discretion of the BAC. The BAC may also decide to hold a pre-bid conference
upon the written request of a prospective bidder. (IRR-A Section 22.1)
A pre-bid conference must be conducted at least twelve (12) calendar days before the
deadline for the submission and receipt of bids. (IRR-A Section 22.2) In addition to
this, it is suggested that it not be held earlier than seven (7) calendar days after the second
newspaper advertisement or the last day of posting the IAEB. If the pre-bid conference is
held less than 12 calendar days before the deadline for the submission and receipt of bids,
that deadline should be moved to a later date. A supplemental/bid bulletin shall be issued for
this reason. Note that these periods are all within the maximum period of thirty (30)
calendar days from the date of advertisement and/or first day of posting of the IAEB up to
the opening of bids, as provided under IRR-A Section 21.2.2 (i).
Who must attend the Pre-bid Conference?
The following shall attend the Pre-Bid Conference:
1. The BAC;
2. The BAC Secretariat/Procurement Unit;
3. The TWG members and consultants, if any;

Page 41 of 128
4. The procuring unit/end-user unit;
5. The prospective bidders; and

6. The Observers.
The attendance of the prospective bidders shall not be mandatory.
How should the participants conduct themselves during the Pre-bid

Conference and other stages of the procurement process?
The BAC, BAC Secretariat, TWG, and other officials involved in procurement are expected to
act in an impartial, courteous and professional manner in all their dealings and interactions
with the bidders during all stages of the procurement. The bidders’ representatives are
likewise enjoined to adopt the same professional manner in their dealings with the Procuring
Entity’s officials. Communications between the parties must, as much as possible, be made
in writing, except during the pre-bid conference when verbal clarifications may be allowed –
keeping in mind, however, that any statement made at the pre-bid conference would not
modify the terms of the bidding documents, unless such statement is specifically identified in
writing as an amendment of the documents and issued as a supplemental/bid bulletin.
Methodology: How is the Pre-bid Conference conducted?
The manner by which the pre-bid TIPS: Let’s make doing things
conference is conducted depends on the
discretion of the BAC. However, several easier
events need to take place in the
conference, namely: The BAC must initiate discussions on
contentious issues, most especially if the
1. The presentation by the BAC of participating prospective bidders have no ready
the eligibility requirements as questions. It is probable that there are issues
well as the technical and that may not be apparent in the bidding
financial components of the documents but are known to the representatives
contract to be bid, of the Procuring Entity. If these issues are
the evaluation procedure, brought out and openly discussed, prospective
evaluation criteria, and bidders will be able to prepare responsive bids,
possible causes of failure of the thus avoiding situations that may give rise to a
bidding. failure of bidding due to lack of bids received or
failure of bids to comply with all the bid
2. The BAC chairperson shall also requirements. This would also help prevent the
discuss the requirements in the birth contentious issues during the bidding itself.
ITB, the replies to the bidders’
queries about the requirements, specifications
and other conditions of the project, the bid evaluation of all bidders and
postqualification evaluation of the lowest calculated bidder. Emphasis should also be
given to the warranty requirement of the project and the different offenses and
penalties provided for in IRR-A of R.A. 9184.
3. The recording by the BAC Secretariat of minutes of the pre-bid conference, and its
availability to all participants not later than three (3) calendar days after the pre-
bid conference. (IRR-A Section 22.3)
What happens if there is a need for clarification or interpretation on the

Bidding Documents after the Pre-bid Conference had been held?

Page 42 of 128
Requests for clarification(s) on any part of the bidding documents or for an interpretation
may be made by prospective bidders provided that these are in writing and are submitted to
the BAC at least ten (10) calendar days before the deadline for the submission and receipt of
bids. In this case, the BAC shall issue its response by issuing a supplemental/bid bulletin, to
be made available to all those who have properly secured the bidding documents at least
seven (7) calendar days before the deadline for the submission and receipt of bids. (IRR-A
Section 22.5.1)
The Procuring Entity may, at its own initiative, also issue supplemental/bid bulletins for
purposes of clarifying or modifying any provision of the bidding documents not later than
seven (7) calendar days before the deadline for the submission and receipt of bids. Any
modification to the bidding documents must be identified as an “AMENDMENT.” (IRR-A
Section 22.5.2)
The BAC should also post the supplemental/bid bulletin on the website of the Procuring Entity
concerned, if available, the website of its electronic procurement system provider, if any, and
on the PhilGEPS, within the same timetable. It will be the prospective bidders’ responsibility
to ask for, and secure, these bulletins, however BAC should ensure that all prospective
bidders receive the bid bulletins.
A supplemental/bid bulletin must contain a brief but comprehensive and accurate summary of
the issue or issues that it wishes to address. If it was a prospective bidder that raised the
issue addressed by the bulletin, then it ought to contain a summary of that bidder’s request
for clarification and/or interpretation, without identifying the bidder.
Bidders who have submitted bids before a supplemental/bid bulletin is issued have to be
informed in writing and allowed to modify or withdraw their respective bids. (IRR-A Section
22.5.2)
Who are involved in the Issuance of the Supplemental/Bid Bulletin?
The following are involved in the issuance of the supplemental/bid bulletin:
1. The BAC;
2. The BAC Secretariat / Procurement Unit;
3. The TWG members; and
4. The prospective bidders.
Methodology: How is a Supplemental/Bid Bulletin issued?
If the supplemental/bid bulletin is being issued upon the initiative of the BAC, the following
steps are followed:
1. The BAC Secretariat and/or the TWG draft the supplemental/bid bulletin for approval
by the BAC.
2. The BAC approves the supplemental/bid bulletin and the BAC chairperson signs it.
3. The BAC Secretariat sends copies of the supplemental/bid bulletin to all prospective
bidders who have properly secured or purchased the bidding documents, within the
period prescribed above.

Page 43 of 128
4. The BAC Secretariat posts the supplemental/bid bulletin in the PhilGEPS, the website
of the Procuring Entity and that of the latter’s electronic procurement system
provider, if any, within the same period prescribed in number (3) above.
If the supplemental/bid bulletin is being issued in response to a request for clarification

submitted by a prospective bidder, on the other hand, the process goes as follows:
1. The prospective bidder submits to the BAC, through the BAC Secretariat, a written
request for clarification, within the period prescribed above.
2. The BAC directs the BAC Secretariat and/or TWG to study the request for clarification.
3. The TWG, BAC and BAC Secretariat perform the steps undertaken in the issuance of
the supplemental/bid bulletin issued at the initiative of the BAC.

Page 44 of 128
Step 4 Receive and Open the Eligibility and Bid Envelopes
What is an eligibility check?
It is a procedure to determine if a prospective bidder is eligible to participate in the bidding at

hand. In determining a prospective bidder’s eligibility, the BAC shall use non-discretionary
“pass/fail” criteria, as stated in the IAEB and the ITB. Essentially, this means that the
absence, incompleteness or insufficiency of a document shall make a prospective bidder
ineligible to bid for the particular procurement. 7 (IRR-A Section 23.2)
Who may be eligible to participate in a public bidding for goods? 8
The following manufacturers, suppliers and/or distributors, service providers shall be eligible
to participate in the bidding for the supply of goods: (IRR-A Section 23.11.1.1)
1. Duly licensed Filipino citizens/sole proprietorships;
2. Partnerships duly organized under the laws of the Philippines and of which at least
sixty percent (60%) of the interest belongs to citizens of the Philippines;
3. Corporations duly organized under the laws of the Philippines, and of which at least
sixty percent (60%) of the outstanding capital stock belongs to citizens of the
Philippines;
4. Joint ventures of manufacturers, suppliers and/or distributors, i.e., a group of two (2)
or more manufacturers, suppliers and/or distributors that intend to be jointly and
severally responsible or liable for a particular contract, provided that:9
a. Filipino ownership or interest of the joint venture concerned must be at least

sixty percent (60%); and
b. In determining the eligibility of the Why is that?

joint venture, the principle of
“collective compliance” will be applied
to its members/principals in the sense Why do we require that the
that each of the entities of the joint bidder’s largest single contract
venture must submit all of the be at least 50% of the ABC of
documents that are required to the contract to be bid?
establish eligibility, although
the non-compliance of one We do this because we want to be
member/principal may be
assured that the prospective bidder has
compensated by the
the technical and financial capability to
compliance of another
undertake the contract to be bid.
member/principal;
5. Cooperatives duly registered with the CDA.
7 For FAPs, reference should be made to the appropriate standard bidding documents for the project to determine the rules
on eligibility check.
8 For FAPs, reference should be made to the appropriate standard bidding documents for the project to determine the
appropriate qualification requirements of a bidder.
9 For FAPs, any firm may bid independently or in joint venture confirming joint and several liability, either with domestic
firms and/or with foreign firms, but the IFIs generally do not accept conditions of bidding which require mandatory joint
ventures or other forms of mandatory association between firms.

Page 45 of 128
All of these entities must have:
1. The experience of having completed within the period specified in the IAEB
concerned, a single contract that is similar to the contract to be bid, and whose value,
adjusted to current prices using the wholesale consumer price index, must be at least
fifty percent (50%) of the approved budget for the contract to be bid (IRR-A
Section
23.11.1.2); and
2. Any of the following:
An NFCC that is at least equal to the approved budget for the contract to be bid,
calculated as follows:
NFCC = [(Current assets minus current liabilities) (K)] minus the value of all
outstanding projects under ongoing contracts, including awarded contracts
yet to be started.
Where:
What do we mean?
K = 10 for a contract duration of one year or less, 15
for a contract duration of more than one year up to
two years, and 20 for a contract duration of more When is a contract
than two years. “similar” to another?
or A contract is similar to the

contract to be bid if it involves
A commitment from a licensed bank to goods or related services of the
extend to it a credit line if awarded the same nature and complexity as
contract to be bid – such commitment being those which are the subject of
specific to the contract to be bid; the public bidding concerned; for
example, if it has the same
or major categories of goods, such
as computers and network
a hold out on cash deposits issued by a equipment.
licensed bank, which shall also be specific to the contract to be bid, and which must
be in an amount not lower than that set by the Procuring Entity in the Bidding
Documents, which shall be at least equal to ten percent (10%) of the ABC of the
contract to be bid.
Are foreign suppliers allowed to bid?
Foreign suppliers, manufacturers, and/or distributors may be invited to participate in the

bidding for the procurement of goods, when:
1. The goods are not available from domestic sources at the prescribed minimum
specifications of the appropriate government authority and/or ABC of the Procuring
Entity, as certified by the Head of the Procuring Entity, confirmed by the DTI. (IRR-A
Section 23.11.1)
Under GPPB Resolution 18-2005, goods are not available from Local Suppliers when, at
any time before advertisement for their procurement, it is determined that no Local
Supplier is capable to supply the required goods to the Government, in which case,
foreign suppliers, manufacturers and/or distributors may be invited to participate in
the bidding. Therefore, the Head of the Procuring Entity or his duly authorized
representative shall certify that, after diligent market research conducted by the

Page 46 of 128
Procuring Entity, the goods sought to be procured are not available from Local
Suppliers. In addition, when applicable, the Procuring Entity shall secure a
certification from the appropriate Government regulatory body, such as, but not
limited to, the Bureau of Product Standards of the DTI for electrical products,
mechanical/building & construction materials, chemicals, foods and other consumer
products, and the BFAD of the DOH for drugs, medicine, and other related medical
devices, that based on its available records, the goods sought to be procured are not
available from Local Suppliers.
If despite the availability of the goods sought to be procured, no local supplier is

interested to participate in the procurement process, the Head of the Procuring Entity
shall certify that it has advertised the same for public bidding and shall make a
statement that no local supplier participated in the bidding and that the same is due
to reasons not attributable to the Procuring Entity. For purposes of inviting foreign
suppliers, the bidding requirements and conditions, as advertised, shall not be
modified or changed. Otherwise, modifications and/or changes in the requirements
and conditions of the bidding shall disallow the Procuring Entity to resort to invitation
of foreign bidders.
The procurement of unavailable goods must be through competitive or public bidding

unless conditions prescribed under R.A. 9184 and its IRR-A warrant resort to
alternative methods of procurement.
2. There is a need to prevent situations that defeat competition or restrain trade. (IRRA
Section 23.11.1)
Under Section 6.1 of GPPB Resolution 18-2005, in cases where the Procuring Entity
intends to procure goods from an exclusive local manufacturer, supplier, distributor,
or dealer through direct contracting under Section 50 (c) of the IRR-A, when said
method is recommended by the BAC and approved by the Head of the Procuring
Entity, and reflected in the approved Annual Procurement Plan, it shall, before
commencing any negotiations with a local supplier, post through the website of the
Procuring Entity, if any, and in the PhilGEPS, an invitation to foreign manufacturers to
submit a manifestation of its intention to participate. Should any foreign manufacturer
submit such manifestation within the period prescribed in the invitation, the Procuring
Entity shall commence the conduct of public bidding. If no foreign manufacturer
submits such manifestation within the said period, the Procuring Entity may proceed
with the intended procurement through direct contracting with the said exclusive local
manufacturer, supplier, distributor, or dealer.
3. The foreign citizen/entity who/that wishes to participate in the procurement of goods

is able to prove that the laws, rules and regulations of his/its country of origin grants
reciprocal rights and privileges to Filipino citizens with respect to the procurement of
goods by his/its own government. (R.A. 5183)
A bidder shall be deemed to have the nationality of a country if the bidder is a citizen
or is constituted, or incorporated, and operates in conformity with the provisions of
the laws of that country.
This criterion shall also apply to the determination of the nationality of proposed
subcontractors or suppliers for any part of the contract, including related services.
Under Section 7.2 of GPPB Resolution 18-2005, the Procuring Entity shall confirm
from the DFA countries with which the Philippines enjoys reciprocal rights on matters
of eligibility of its nationals in public procurement abroad. If the country of the
prospective foreign bidder is not in the list, the Procuring Entity shall require from the
said bidder the submission of a sworn statement that the country of which he is a
citizen or in which the corporation or partnership is organized and registered grants
reciprocal rights or privileges to Filipino citizens, corporations or associations, citing
its country’s relevant laws.

Page 47 of 128
The sworn statements mentioned above shall be validated during post-qualification of

bidders.
4. When provided for under any treaty or international or executive agreement. 10
When is a prospective bidder eligible to bid?
A prospective bidder is eligible to bid for the procurement of goods if it complies with the
eligibility requirements prescribed for the competitive bidding, within the period stated in the
invitation to bid. The eligibility requirements shall provide for fair and equal access to all
prospective bidders.
As procuring entities and the bidders, manufacturers, suppliers or distributors are required to
observe the highest standard of ethics during the procurement and execution of contract,
bidders should not be under a declaration of ineligibility for corrupt, fraudulent, collusive and
coercive practices by the government.
What are the minimum eligibility requirements?
Section 23.6 of the IRR-A requires bidders to submit the following eligibility requirements
contained in a separate envelope, to be submitted together with the technical and financial
bid envelopes, to wit:
1. Class “A” Documents
a. Legal Documents
i. DTI business name registration in the case of Single Proprietorships;

or SEC registration certificate, in the case of Partnerships or
Corporations; or CDA Registration, in the case of cooperatives;
ii. Valid and current Mayor’s permit/municipal license, if applicable;
iii. BIR Registration Certification, which contains the Taxpayer’s

Identification Number;
iv. Statement of the prospective bidder that it is not “blacklisted” or

barred from bidding by the government or any of its agencies, offices,
corporations or LGUs, and that it is not included in the Consolidated
Blacklisting Report issued by the GPPB, once released in accordance
with the guidelines to be issued by the GPPB as provided in Section
69.4 of the IRR-A;
v. Tax Clearance Certificate issued by the BIR Main Office and Income or
Business Tax Returns filed through the EFPS (E.O. 398, s. 2005), if
applicable;
vi. Other appropriate licenses as may be required by the Procuring Entity

concerned.
b. Technical Documents
10 Under FAPs, to foster competition, IFIs permit firms and individuals from eligible countries to offer goods, works, and
services. Any conditions for participation should be limited to those that are essential to ensure the firm’s capability to
fulfill the contract in question. In connection with any contract to be financed in whole or in part from an IFI loan, the IFI
generally does not permit a procuring entity to deny pre- or post-qualification to a firm for reasons unrelated to its

Page 48 of 128
A statement of the prospective bidder of all its ongoing and completed

government and private contracts within the period specified in the IAEB,
including contracts awarded but not yet started, if any. This statement must
include the following information for each of the contracts:
i. Whether the contract is ongoing, completed or awarded but not yet

started within the relevant period;
ii. The name of the contract;
capability and resources to successfully perform the contract; nor does it permit a procuring entity to disqualify any bidder
for such reasons. Consequently, procuring entities should carry out due diligence on the technical and financial
qualifications of bidders to be assured of their capabilities in relation to the specific contract.
iii. The date of the contract;
iv. The kinds of goods sold;
v. The amount of contract and value of outstanding contracts;
vi. The date of delivery;
vii. The end user’s acceptance, for completed contracts;
viii. A specification whether the prospective bidder is a manufacturer,

supplier or distributor, or service provider; and
ix. Whether the contract is similar or not in nature and complexity with
the contract to be bid.
c. Financial Documents
i. The prospective bidder’s audited financial statements, stamped

“received” by the BIR or its duly accredited and authorized
institutions, for the immediately preceding calendar year, showing,
among others, the prospective bidder’s total and current assets and
liabilities;
ii. The prospective bidder’s computation of its NFCC which shall be

computed using the formula prescribed in Sec. 23.11.1.3 of the IRRA;
and,
Let’s make things easier
To facilitate eligibility checking, the

BAC of a Procuring Entity may maintain
a file of the foregoing Class
“A” documents submitted by
manufacturers, suppliers and
distributors. When such file is required
by the Procuring Entity, a
manufacturer, supplier or distributor
who wishes to participate in a public
bidding for non-common Goods should
maintain this file current and updated
at least once a year, or more
frequently when needed. A
manufacturer, supplier or distributor

Page 49 of 128
who maintains a current and updated

file of his Class “A” documents will be
issued a certification by the BAC to
that effect, which certification may be
submitted to the Procuring Entity
concerned in lieu of the foregoing
Class
“A” documents. (IRR-A Section
23.6.1)
iii. If its NFCC is not sufficient to comply with the requirements in

Sec. 23.11.1.3 of the IRR-A:
• A commitment from a licensed bank to extend to it a credit

line if awarded the contract to be bid, such
commitment
being specific to the contract to
be bid; or
• A certificate of hold out on cash deposit, in an amount

not lower than that set by the
Procuring Entity in the Bidding Documents, which shall be
at least equal to ten percent
(10%) of the ABC.
2. Class “B” Documents
a. Valid JVA, if the prospective bidder is a joint venture, with the agreement
containing a statement on who the joint venture has constituted and
appointed as the lawful attorney-in-fact to sign the contract, if awarded the
project, and on which among the members/principals is the lead
representative of the joint venture.
All members of the joint venture should submit all the Class “A” eligibility
documents. All members of the joint venture should comply with all the legal
eligibility requirements, but compliance by one of the joint venture members
with the technical and financial requirements will suffice.
b. Letter authorizing the Head of the Procuring Entity or his duly authorized
representative/s to verify any or all of the documents submitted for the
eligibility check.
3. Other Eligibility Documents
A certification, under oath, executed by the prospective bidder or its duly authorized
representative, that each of the documents submitted in satisfaction of the eligibility
requirements is an authentic and original copy, or a true and faithful reproduction or
copy of the original, complete, and that all statements and information provided
therein are true and correct. (IRR-A Section 23.8)
The BAC may require the bidder’s authorized representative to initial every page of the
documents it submits as originals. The purpose of this exercise is to ensure that the
documents reviewed by the BAC are authentic, and to protect the BAC from any insinuation
of tampering with the said documents.
What is the purpose of requiring an NFCC, a credit line or a certificate of a

Hold-out on Cash Deposit that is equal to the ABC?

Page 50 of 128
The NFCC, a credit line and a certificate of a hold-out on cash deposit establish the bidder’s
liquidity, its capacity to absorb the additional obligations in connection with the contract to be
bid and to finance its implementation/completion. Compliance with this eligibility
requirement may be done on the alternative, such that submission of any of the three is
acceptable for purposes of determining a bidder’s eligibility.
What are the eligibility requirements of a prospective foreign bidder?
Foreign manufacturers, suppliers and distributors, when allowed to bid under the
circumstances mentioned in IRR-A Sec. 23.11.1 and R.A. 5183, must submit the same
eligibility requirements as domestic entities. However, the legal documents and the audited
financial statements under the Class “A” documents may be substituted by the appropriate
equivalent documents issued by the country of the foreign manufacturer, supplier or
distributor. (IRR-A Section 23.7) These documents must be duly acknowledged and
authenticated by the Philippine consulate located in that country.
How and when must the Eligibility Envelope be submitted?
The Eligibility envelope must be submitted together with the Technical and Financial bid
envelopes, enclosed in an outer sealed envelope or any such appropriate container, to the
BAC on or before the deadline specified in the IAEB. Eligibility requirements submitted after
the deadline should not be accepted by the BAC. For purposes of synchronizing the time, the
BAC may identify an official timepiece that will be referred to for purposes of determining
timely submission. The official timepiece must be indicated in the bidding documents and
announced during the pre-bid conference, to ensure that all prospective bidders are aware of
this information.
A prospective bidder which had submitted Class “A” documents, and was issued a Certificate
of Registration by the Procuring Entity may submit the following:
1. A certification from the BAC of the Procuring Entity that it has a complete set of
updated Class “A” documents on file with the BAC;
2. Its Class “B” documents; and
3. Its certification under oath that each of the documents submitted in satisfaction of the
eligibility requirements is an authentic and original copy or a true and faithful
reproduction or copy of the original, complete and that all statements and information
provided therein are true and correct.
What happens if a bidder fails to submit its eligibility envelope and bid on
the date, time and place indicated in the IAEB?
Any eligibility envelope, technical bid or financial bid submitted after the deadline for
submission and receipt of bids prescribed by the Procuring Entity shall be declared “Late” and
shall not be accepted by the BAC.
When should the eligibility envelope be opened?
The eligibility envelope should be opened and an eligibility check conducted by the BAC on
the day of the bid opening, but prior to the opening of the bid envelopes. After opening the
eligibility envelopes of the bidders, the technical bid envelopes of bidders who were declared
eligible should then be opened. Thereafter, the financial bid envelopes of bidders who were

Page 51 of 128
declared as technically complying should be opened. These activities are held on the day of
the bid opening, as stipulated in the bidding documents.
What is a Bid?
A Bid refers to a signed offer or proposal to undertake a contract submitted by a bidder in

response to, and in consonance with, the requirements stated in the bidding documents.
“Bid” is also equivalent to and may be used interchangeably with “Proposal” and “Tender”. A
Bid has two components, the Technical Proposal or the Technical Bid, and the Financial
Proposal or the Financial Bid. The Technical and Financial Bids must each be contained in
separate sealed bid envelopes.
What are the contents of the Technical Proposal?
The Technical Proposal should contain, at the minimum, the following technical
information/documents:
1. The Bid Security as to form, amount and validity period;
2. Authority of the signatory, which must be contained in a Board Resolution if the

bidder is a corporation or a cooperative, a Joint Venture Resolution if the same is a
Joint Venture, a Partnership Resolution if the bidder is a Partnership, or a Special
Power of Attorney (SPA) issued by the General Manager or Proprietor if the bidder is a
sole proprietor;
3. Production/delivery schedule;
4. Manpower requirements;
5. After-sales service/parts, if applicable;
6. Technical specifications;
7. Commitment from a licensed bank to extend to the bidder a credit line if awarded the
contract to be bid, or a hold out on cash deposit, in an amount not lower than that set
by the Procuring Entity in the Bidding Documents, which shall be at least equal to ten
percent (10%) of the ABC, provided that if the bidder previously submitted this
document as an eligibility requirement, the said previously submitted document shall
suffice;
8. Certificate from the bidder under oath of its compliance with existing labor laws and
standards, in the case of procurement of services;
9. A sworn affidavit of compliance with the Disclosure Provision under Section 47 of R.A.
9184 and its IRR-A in relation to other provisions of R.A. 3019;
10. A sworn statement attesting to the responsibilities mentioned in Section 17.7.1,

particularly that the bidder has taken steps to carefully examine all of the bidding
documents, has acknowledged all conditions, local or otherwise, affecting the
implementation of the contract, has made an estimate of the facilities available and
needed for the contract to be bid, and has complied with its responsibility of inquiring
and securing all supplemental/bid bulletins issued by the BAC; and
11. Other documents/materials as stated in the Instructions to Bidders.

Page 52 of 128
What are the contents of the Financial Proposal?
The Financial Proposal shall contain the following financial information/documents, at the
least:
1. The financial proposal submission sheet, which includes the bid prices and the bill of
quantities for procurement of goods, or scope of work for procurement of services,
and the applicable price schedules; and
2. The recurring and the maintenance costs, if applicable. (Please refer to Section 2 on
Procurement Planning, for guidelines in the preparation of the Technical Specifications
and other requirements.)
When should Bids be submitted?
Bids should be submitted on or before the specified time and date of the deadline for
submission of bids, as stated in the IAEB, and within thirty (30) calendar days from
date of advertisement and/or first day of posting the IAEB. (IRR-A Section 21.2.2
[i]) Bids submitted after the specified deadline shall not be received or accepted by the BAC.
(IRR-A Section 25.2)
Who are the parties involved in the receipt and opening of eligibility
envelopes and bids?
The following parties are involved in this process:
1. The BAC;
2. The TWG;
3. The BAC Secretariat /Procurement Unit;
4. The bidders; and

5. The Observers.
Methodology: How are the eligibility and bid envelopes opened?11
1. The BAC shall receive the Eligibility, Technical and Financial envelopes at the time,
date and place specified in the bidding documents. Upon receipt of these envelopes,
the BAC Secretariat must stamp the face of the outer envelope as “RECEIVED,”
indicating thereon the date and time of receipt, and have the stamp countersigned by
an authorized representative.
2. The BAC shall open in public the Eligibility envelopes on the same day as the bid
opening. (IRR-A Section 23.1) The BAC shall read in public the contents of the
Eligibility envelopes, and shall examine each prospective bidder’s eligibility
TIPS: Let’s improve transparency
11 The eligibility and bid opening methodology may vary for FAPs. Reference should be made to the appropriate standard
bidding documents for the project.

Page 53 of 128
The BAC may request the prospective bidders to

identify an individual who shall act as a third party
witness and countercheck the eligibility documents
being examined by the BAC. This is especially
important if there are no observers present during
the Bid Opening.
Alternatively, the BAC may use any device (i.e.,

document camera, opaque projector, etc.) that will
enable all attendees to view the document being
examined
requirements or statements. It shall record the presence or absence of the

required eligibility requirements in a Checklist.
3. The BAC shall declare prospective bidders as either “eligible”

or
“ineligible”, based on the findings in number 2 above, and inform them
accordingly. The Eligibility envelopes shall likewise be marked as such, and these
markings shall be countersigned by the BAC chairperson or his duly
designated authority. (IRR-
A Section 23.2) The BAC may prepare a pro-forma Notice of Eligibility and a Notice
of Ineligibility, which will be duly accomplished by the BAC Secretariat and signed by
the BAC members present during the Eligibility Check. In case a prospective bidder is
declared ineligible, the Notice of Ineligibility shall state the reason for such
ineligibility. The Notice will be received officially by the Bidder’s authorized
representative. Those found ineligible have seven (7) calendar days upon written
notice or, if present at the time of opening of eligibility requirements, upon verbal
notification, within which to file a request for reconsideration with the BAC.
4. The BAC shall inquire from ineligible bidders who are present during the Eligibility
Check whether or not they intend to file a request for reconsideration; if they
signify their intention to do so, the BAC shall keep the Eligibility envelopes containing
the eligibility requirements and re-seal the same in the presence of all the
participants. These shall be deposited in the Bid Box or any other secured place or
location, together with the Technical and Financial envelopes, ensuring that the latter
documents remain sealed and unopened. (IRR-A Sec. 23.3) If an ineligible bidder
does not signify its intention to file a motion for reconsideration during the Eligibility
Check, considering that it may decide to exercise its right to file one during the
mandated seven (7) calendar day period therefor, it would be advisable for the BAC
to place its own seal over the Technical and Financial Bid envelopes of the said
ineligible bidder – which BAC seal shall be over the existing seal of the ineligible
bidder – to ensure that no tampering of these documents may be committed while in
possession of the ineligible bidder before resubmission. In any case, with or without
any indication on the part of the prospective bidder of its intention to file a request for
reconsideration, it would be advisable for the BAC to hold on to the Eligibility
envelopes containing the eligibility requirements, duly re-sealed and deposited,
including the technical and financial bid envelopes, until the expiration of the period
for filing a request for reconsideration, to ensure the integrity of these documents;
unless if the said prospective bidder waives its right to file a request for
reconsideration.
5. The BAC shall return the Eligibility, Technical and Financial Bid envelopes of a
prospective bidder if it is declared “ineligible” and it does not signify its intention to
file a request for reconsideration or expressly waives its right to file a motion for
reconsideration. In the case of the latter, such waiver shall be made in writing to be
executed by the authorized representative of the ineligible bidder. The BAC must

Page 54 of 128
decide on a request for reconsideration within seven (7) calendar days form receipt
thereof.
6. The BAC shall proceed with the opening of the Technical envelopes (Technical
Proposals) of eligible bidders, and the Preliminary Examination of Bids, to determine
each bidder’s compliance with the documents that are required to be submitted for
the technical component of the bid. The opening shall also be done in public,
following the same procedure as the Eligibility Check. The BAC shall check the
submitted technical documents of each bidder against a Checklist of required
technical documents to ascertain if they are all present in the first bid envelope, using
nondiscretionary “pass/fail” criteria. (IRR-A Section 30.1)
7. In case one or more of the above-required documents in the Technical Bid envelope is
missing, incomplete or patently insufficient, the bid shall be declared as “failed” and
immediately returned to the bidder concerned, together with the unopened financial
envelope. A bidder determined as “failed” has seven (7) calendar days upon written
notice or, if present at the time of bid opening, upon verbal notification, within which
to file a request for a reconsideration with the BAC. (IRR-A Section 30.3) The BAC
shall follow the procedures provided for under Nos. 4 and 5 above, with respect to the
Technical and Financial Bid envelopes.
8. Immediately after
determining compliance How’s that again?
with the requirements in the
first envelope, the BAC shall
open the second bid envelope When is a document deemed “complete”
(Financial Proposals) of and “sufficient”?
each remaining technically
complying bidder For a document, to be deemed “complete” and
whose submitted “sufficient”, it must be complete on its face, that is,
technical requirements were it contains all the information required, and must
rated “passed.” The comply with the requirements set out in the bidding
second envelope of each documents. For example, a Mayor’s Permit should
technically complying bidder be current, and submission of an expired Mayor’s
shall be opened on the same Permit is deemed a “non-submission”. Another
day. The BAC shall determine example of an insufficient submission is a Bid
whether one or more of the Security in an amount below the requirement.
requirements of the
Financial Bid is missing, incomplete or patently insufficient, and if the submitted total bid
price exceeds the ABC. If the Financial Bid is complete, the BAC shall rate it “passed” and
shall proceed with the evaluation of the Bid. Only bids that are determined to contain all the
bid requirements for both Technical and Financial components shall be rated “passed” and
shall be considered for evaluation and comparison. (IRR-A Sections 30.2)
Bids that exceed the ABC will automatically be disqualified. In the case of foreign
currency denominated bids, where allowed by the law and rules, the same shall be
converted to Philippine currency based on the exchange rate prevailing on the day of
the bid opening. The BSP reference rate as of the date of the bid opening shall be
used.
9. All members of the BAC or their duly authorized representatives and the Observers
who are present during bid opening, shall initial every page of the original copies of
all bids received and opened. (IRR-A Sections 29)
10. The BAC Secretariat shall record the proceedings using a tape recorder, or a video
recorder or any device that may facilitate the recording. The minutes of the bid
opening should be prepared within three (3) calendar days after the bid opening date,
so that copies thereof could immediately be sent to the BAC members, Observers,
bidders and other interested parties. Copies of the minutes shall also be made

Page 55 of 128
available to the public upon written request and payment of a specified fee to recover
cost of materials.
What happens if only one bidder submits its eligibility and bid envelopes?
Even if only one bidder submits its eligibility and bid envelopes, the bidding process
continues. If the bidder is declared eligible and its bid is found to be responsive to the
bidding requirements, its bid will be declared as a SCRB and considered for contract award.
(IRR-A Section 36)
What can a prospective bidder do if it is found ineligible or declared

noncompliant with the technical or financial requirements?
A prospective bidder that was absent during the opening of the bids and was found ineligible
or was declared failed has three (3) calendar days from receipt of the Notice of
Ineligibility/Failure, within which to file a written request for reconsideration before the BAC.
If the prospective bidder was present during bid opening and was duly notified (a verbal
notification will suffice in this case) of
its ineligibility/failure, it also has How’s that again?
three (3) calendar days upon such
notice within which to file a written
request for reconsideration. Seven
What shall the position paper contain?
(7) calendar days after it receives a
letter requesting for The verified position paper shall contain the
reconsideration, the BAC should following information:
resolve such request. In the
meantime, it will hold on to the 1. The name of bidder;
Eligibility, Technical and Financial 2. The office address of the bidder;
envelopes of the prospective bidder
3. The name of project/contract;
until the request for reconsideration is
resolved. In so doing, it can 4. The implementing office/agency or procuring
request the prospective bidder to entity;
clarify its eligibility documents, if 5. A brief statement of facts;
necessary. (IRR-A Section 23.3)
6. The issue to be resolved; and
The BAC may return the Eligibility,
Technical and Financial envelopes if 7. Such other matters and information pertinent
the prospective bidder is declared and relevant to the proper resolution of the
“ineligible” and expressly waives his protest.
right to file a request for
reconsideration. Such waiver shall The position paper is verified by an affidavit that
be made in writing, to be the affiant has read and understood the contents
executed by the authorized thereof and that the allegations therein are true
representative of the ineligible and correct of his personal knowledge or based on
bidder. authentic records. An unverified position paper
shall be considered unsigned, produces no legal
If its request for reconsideration is effect, and results to the outright dismissal of the
denied, the ineligible bidder may protest. (IRR-A Section 55.2)
protest the decision in writing with
the Head of the Procuring Entity within seven (7) calendar days from receipt of the resolution.
A protest may be made by filing a verified position paper with the Head of the Procuring
Entity concerned, accompanied by the payment of a non-refundable protest fee. The non-
refundable protest fee shall be in an amount equivalent to no less than one percent (1%) of
the ABC. (IRR-A section 55.1)
The protests shall be resolved strictly based on records of the BAC. The Head of the
Procuring Entity shall resolve a protest within seven (7) calendar days from receipt thereof.
Subject to the provisions of existing laws on the authority of Department Secretaries and the

Page 56 of 128
heads of agencies, branches, constitutional commissions or instrumentalities of the

Government to approve contracts, the decisions of the Head of the Procuring Entity
concerned shall be final up to the limit of his contract approving authority. With respect to
LGUs, the decision of the local chief executive shall be final. (IRR-A Section 56)
What happens if questions/doubts have been raised about the eligibility of

a prospective bidder after it had been declared as eligible?
Notwithstanding the eligibility of a prospective bidder, the Procuring Entity concerned

reserves the right to review its qualifications at any stage of the procurement process if it has
reasonable grounds to believe that a misrepresentation has been made by the said
prospective bidder, or that there has been a change in the prospective bidder’s capability to
undertake the project from the time it submitted its eligibility requirements. Should such
review uncover any misrepresentation made in the eligibility requirements, statements or
documents, or any changes in the situation of the prospective bidder which will affect the
capability of the bidder to undertake the project so that it fails the preset eligibility criteria,
the Procuring Entity shall consider the said prospective bidder as ineligible and shall disqualify
it from submitting a bid or from obtaining an award or contract. (IRR-A Section 23.4) A
prospective bidder found guilty of false information faces imprisonment of not less than six
(6) years and one (1) day but not more than 15 years. (IRR-A Section 65.3)
What happens if only one bidder is declared eligible?
The procurement process also proceeds with the Preliminary Examination of Bids. Again, if
the eligible bidder submits a bid that is found to be responsive to the bidding requirements,
its bid shall be declared as a SCRB and considered for contract award. (IRR-A Section 36)
What is disqualification?
Disqualification is a distinct concept from ineligibility and post-disqualification. When a Bidder

is disqualified, it is barred from further participating in the procurement at hand, even if, in
some instances, it has initially been declared eligible. Even if a Bidder is Post-qualified, if
after such Post-qualification, the Procuring Entity has found grounds for disqualification, the
latter may declare such Bidder disqualified, hence, the Procuring Entity shall not award the
contract to the former.
Other than a declaration of ineligibility, is there another way by which a

manufacturer, supplier or distributor may be disqualified from bidding?
Aside from those who are not eligible to bid for the procurement of goods, a bidder that has a
conflict of interest shall be disqualified to participate in the procurement at hand. A Bidder
would be considered as having a conflict of interest with another bidder in any of the events
described in paragraphs 1 through 3 below and a general conflict of interest in any of the
circumstances set out in paragraphs 4 through 6 below:
1. If the bidder is a corporation or a partnership and it has officers, directors, controlling

shareholders, partners or members in common with another bidder; or if the bidder is
an individual or a sole proprietorship and he is the proprietor of another bidder, or an
officer, director or a controlling shareholder of another bidder; or if the bidder is a
joint venture and it or any of its members has officers, directors, controlling
shareholders or members in common with another bidder, or any of its members is a
bidder;

Page 57 of 128
2. A bidder receives or has received any direct or indirect subsidy from another bidder;
3. A bidder has the same legal representative as any other bidder for purposes of the
bidding at hand.
4. A bidder has a relationship directly or through common third parties, that puts them
in a position to have access to information about or influence on the bid of another
bidder, or influence the decisions of the Procuring Entity regarding the bidding
process. This will include a firm or an organization that lends, or temporarily
seconds, its personnel to firms or organizations which are engaged in consulting
services for the preparation related to procurement for or implementation of the
project, if the personnel would be involved in any capacity on the same project;
5. A bidder submits more than one bid in the bidding process. However, this does not
limit the participation of subcontractors in more than one bid; or
6. A bidder who participated as a consultant in the preparation of the design or technical

specifications of the goods and related services that are the subject of the bid.
In accordance with Section 47 of the IRR-A, the bidder should not be related to the Head of
the Procuring Entity by consanguinity or affinity up to the third civil degree or any of the
Procuring Entity’s officers or employees having direct access to information that may
substantially affect the result of the bidding, such as, but not limited to, the members of the
BAC, the members of the TWG, the BAC Secretariat, the members of the PMO, and the
designers of the project. This prohibition shall apply to the following persons:
1. If the bidder is an individual or a sole proprietorship, to the bidder himself;
2. If the bidder is a partnership, to all its officers and members;
3. If the bidder is a corporation, to all its officers, directors and controlling stockholders;
and
4. If the bidder is a joint venture, items 1 through 3 above shall correspondingly apply
to each of the members of the said joint venture, as may be appropriate.
To establish the non-existence of the above relationship, and to bind the Bidders to its
representation relating to the foregoing, all bids must be accompanied by a Disclosure
Affidavit of the bidder to that effect. (IRR-A Section 47 and Section 25.3.A.9)
May a bidder file a Motion for Reconsideration of the BAC’s decision

declaring another bidder eligible?
Yes. Pursuant to Section 23.3 of the IRR-A.
What happens if no prospective bidder is declared eligible?
If no prospective bidder is found to be eligible, the BAC should declare the bidding a failure.
In such a case, the BAC shall issue a Resolution declaring a failure of bidding. The BAC then
reviews the terms and conditions stated in the IAEB. If warranted, it changes any of the
terms and conditions, including the quantities or specifications, provided that the ABC is left
unchanged. It must, thereafter, conduct a re-bidding, in the process formulating a new IAEB
and posting and publishing this as required. (IRR-A Section 35) All bidders that have
initially responded to the IAEB in the first bidding shall be allowed to submit new bids.

Page 58 of 128
If the original estimate is found to be inadequate on reassessment to meet the objectives of

the project, it may be necessary to reduce the scope of the project.
Should a second failure of bidding occur and the Procuring Entity finds that there is a need
to evaluate the responsiveness of the ABC, and so decides to revise the ABC accordingly,
the Procuring Entity should conduct another public bidding with re-advertisement and/or
posting. Alternatively, the Procuring Entity may enter into a negotiated procurement with a
legally, technically, and financially capable supplier (IRR-A Sections 35.3 and 53).
However, if the Procuring Entity resorts to negotiated procurement, the terms, conditions,
and specifications of the project as well as the ABC must be maintained.
What happens if only one bidder passes the Preliminary Examination of

Bids?
The procurement process also proceeds with the subsequent step of Bid Evaluation. Again, if
the eligible bidder submits a bid that is found to be responsive to the bidding requirements,
its bid shall be declared as a SCRB and considered for contract award. (IRR-A Section 36)
What happens if a bidder fails to comply with the Technical and Financial
requirements of the Bid?
The bidder that fails to comply with any of the Technical or Financial requirements of the Bid
will be disqualified by the BAC. Similar to ineligible bidders, it may file a written request for
reconsideration within three (3) calendar days from the receipt of the communication
regarding its bid’s deficiency. (IRR-A Section 30.3)
Can a bidder withdraw its bid?
Yes, a bidder may, through a Letter of Withdrawal, withdraw its bid, before the deadline for
the receipt of bids. A bidder may also express its intention not to participate in the bidding
through a letter which should reach and be stamped received by the BAC before the
deadline for the receipt of bids. A bidder that withdraws its bid shall not be permitted to
submit another bid, directly or indirectly, for the same contract. It should be noted however
that the act of habitually withdrawing from bidding or submitting letter of non-participation
for at least three (3) times within a year is a ground for the position of administrative
penalties, except when done for a valid reason.
The bidder that withdraws its bid beyond the deadline for the submission of bids will forfeit
its bid security, as well as the imposition of any applicable administrative, civil and/or
criminal sanction prescribed in R.A. 9184 and its IRR-A.
Step 5 Evaluate the Bids
What is the purpose of Bid Evaluation?
The purpose of bid evaluation is to determine the Lowest Calculated Bid (LCB). (IRR-A
Section 32.1) This is done by:

Page 59 of 128
1. Establishing the correct calculated prices of the bids, through a detailed evaluation of
the financial component of the bids; and
2. Ranking of the total bid prices as so calculated from the lowest to the highest. The bid
with the lowest price shall be identified as the LCB.
When should the bids be evaluated?
The entire evaluation process for the bids for the procurement of goods must be completed in
not more than seven (7) calendar days from the deadline for receipt of proposals. (IRR-A
Section 32.3) However, the BAC should exert effort to complete the Bid Evaluation even
before the lapse of the 15-day period, as this will expedite the procurement process.
Who are the participants in the Bid Evaluation Process?
The following must participate in the bid evaluation process:
1. The BAC;
2. The TWG;
3. The BAC Secretariat/ Procurement Unit; and
4. The Observers.
Methodology: How are bids evaluated?12
1. After the preliminary examination of bids, the BAC, or through the TWG, shall
immediately conduct a detailed evaluation of all bids rated “passed,” using a
nondiscretionary pass/fail criteria, as stated in the IAEB and the ITB, which
shall include a consideration of the following: (IRR-A Section 32.4.1)
a. The bid must be complete. Unless the ITB specifically allow partial bids, bids
not addressing or providing all of the required items in the bidding
documents including, where applicable, those requirements pertaining to the
civil works components of Goods procured, shall be considered non-
responsive and, thus, automatically disqualified. In this regard, where a
required item is provided, but no price is indicated, the same shall be
considered as non-responsive, but specifying a “0” (zero) for the said item
would mean that it is being offered for free to the Government.
b. Minor arithmetical corrections to consider computational errors, omissions

and discounts, if allowed in the bidding documents, to enable proper
comparison of all eligible bids. Any adjustment shall be calculated in
monetary terms to determine the calculated prices. (IRR-A Section 32.4.1
[b]) For evaluation purposes, in allowed instances, the bid must be
converted into Philippine currency based on the exchange rate prevailing on
the day of the bid opening. (IRR-A Section 61.1) The BSP reference rate
as of the date of the bid opening shall be used.
c. In the evaluation of bids, all bids shall be evaluated on an equal footing to

ensure fair and competitive bid evaluation. For this purpose, all bidders
12 For FAPs, the rules on evaluation will depend on the standard bidding documents for the project.

Page 60 of 128
shall be required to include the cost of all taxes, such as, but not limited to,
value added tax (VAT), income tax, local taxes, and other fiscal levies and
duties which shall be itemized in the bid form and reflected in the detailed
estimates. Such bids, including said taxes, shall be the basis for bid
evaluation and comparison. (IRR-A Sections 32.4.2) Moreover, applicable
custom duties, as well as other costs of acquisition such as freight,
insurance, and bank charges, must be incorporated in the bid.
d. In case of
Tip: Let’s make doing things shall prevail; (b) total prices and
easier unit prices, the latter shall prevail;
(c) unit cost in the detailed
On clarifications during bid evaluation estimate and unit cost in the bill
of quantities, the latter shall
(the “no-contact” rule)
prevail. (IRR-A Sections
32.4.3)
During the bid evaluation stage, the BAC, BAC
Secretariat and the TWG shall not entertain
2. Based on the
clarifications from Bidders, neither shall they
detailed evaluation
initiate communication with the Bidders,
of bids, those that
regarding the evaluation of the bids. There are
two reasons for this rule: comply with the above-
mentioned requirements
shall be ranked in the
1. There is no need for clarifications of
ascending order of their
technical issues since the evaluation is
total calculated bid
focused on arithmetical computations which
prices, as evaluated and
are determined from the face of the bid
corrected for
itself; and
computational errors,
discounts and other
2. Communications with the Bidders might lead
modifications, to identify
to possible collusion or the Bidder might try
the LCB. Total calculated
to influence the outcome of the bidding bid prices, as evaluated
process. and
corrected for computational errors, discounts and other modifications, which
exceed the ABC shall be disqualified. (IRR-A Sections 32.4.4)
3. After all bids have been received, opened, examined, evaluated and ranked,
the BAC shall prepare the corresponding Abstract of Bids. All members of the
BAC shall sign the Abstract of Bids and attach thereto all the bids with their
corresponding Bid Securities and the minutes or proceedings of the bidding.
(IRR-A Section 32.5) The Observers shall also sign the Abstract of Bids if,
in their independent observation, the bidding activity conducted by the BAC
followed the correct procedure indicated under R.A. 9184 and its IRR-A. The
Abstract of Bids shall contain the following:
a. Name of the contract and its location, if applicable;
b. Time, date and place of bid opening; and
c. Names of bidders and their corresponding calculated bid prices

arranged from lowest to highest, the amount of bid security and the
name of the issuing entity.
4. The TWG, with the assistance of the BAC Secretariat, when directed by the BAC, should
prepare the Evaluation Report, containing the details of the evaluation conducted,
preferably within three (3) calendar days from the date the evaluation was concluded.

Page 61 of 128
Are there special privileges for cooperatives in the supply of goods to

government entities?
Yes. Under the Cooperative Code of the Philippines, or Republic Act No. 6938, cooperatives
have preferential right to supply government institutions and agencies with rice, corn and
other grains, fish and other marine products, meats, eggs, milk, vegetables, tobacco and
other agricultural commodities produced by their own members.
Moreover, there is a recurring provision in the GAA which mandates the Government to
procure at least ten percent (10%) of its total purchases from duly registered cooperatives
and another ten per cent (10%) from SMEs.
What may be done if all prospective bidders are unable to comply with the
requirement of having a single contract whose value is at least fifty
percent (50%) of the ABC of the project to be bid?
If all prospective bidders are unable to comply with the requirement of having a single
contract whose value is at least fifty percent (50%) of the ABC of the contract to be bid, the
Procuring Entity may have to review the packaging of the project or procurement concerned,
taking into account the technical and financial capabilities and experience in the domestic and
international market, as well as the most logical and practical approach/scope of work to
complete a project. However, the Procuring Entity must ensure that this will not result to a
splitting of contracts that is committed for the purpose of evading or circumventing the
requirements of law and existing rules and regulations.
In the alternative, the Procuring Entity may instead require prospective bidders to have at
least three (3) similar completed contracts the aggregate of which should be equivalent to at
least fifty percent (50%) of the ABC of the project to be bid; the largest of these similar
contracts must be equivalent to at least twenty-five percent (25%) of the ABC of the project
to be bid; and the business/company of the prospective bidder willing to participate in the
bidding has been in existence for at least three (3) consecutive years prior to the
advertisement and/or posting of the IAEB. Furthermore, when the item/good to be procured
is novel or its procurement is otherwise unprecedented or is unusual, and compliance to the
requirement on a largest single similar contract is impracticable, the prospective bidder will
only have to comply with the above-mentioned required period for the existence of a
business/company. This scheme may also be applied when requiring a single contract that is
at least fifty percent (50%) of the ABC will likely result to a monopoly that will defeat the
purpose of public bidding. (GPPB Resolution 007-2006, dated 20 January 2006)
The procuring entity can clarify in the bidding documents the similar projects that can be
considered in the bidding, which projects or contracts must have been completed within the
period specified in the IAEB. All other conditions of the contract must be the same as
provided for in the bidding documents. 13
What happens if a bidder does not accept the arithmetical corrections done
by the BAC on its bid?
The BAC must disqualify the bid and forfeit the bid security of the bidder.
What happens if no bid complies with all bid requirements?
If no bid complies with all bid requirements, the BAC should declare the bidding a failure.
In such a case the BAC shall issue a Resolution declaring a failure of bidding. The BAC then
13 The experience requirement may vary for FAPs. As such, reference should be made to the appropriate standard bidding
documents for the project.

Page 62 of 128
reviews the terms and conditions stated in the IAEB. If warranted, it changes any of the
terms and conditions, including the quantities or specifications, provided that the ABC is left
unchanged. It must, thereafter, conduct a re-bidding, in the process formulating a new
IAEB and posting and publishing this as required. (IRR-A Section 35) All bidders that
have initially responded to the IAEB in the first bidding shall be allowed to submit new bids.

How shall Domestic Preference be applied during bid evaluation?
A Procuring Entity shall apply domestic preference in the procurement of goods as long as it
complies with the provisions of IRR-A and R.A. 5183, and this shall be expressly mentioned
in the bidding documents.
In applying domestic preference, the Procuring Entity shall be guided by the provisions of
C.A. No. 138, to wit:
1. When the LCB including taxes and customs duties, is a “foreign bid” as defined in C.A.
No. 138 (see definition below), the award shall be made to the bidder who submitted
the lowest “domestic bid”, provided that:
a. the domestic bid is not more than fifteen per centum (15%) in excess of
the LCB. (Section 3 [e] C.A. No. 138); and
b. the bidder who submitted the lowest domestic bid must pass the
postqualification.
An illustrative case is as follows: Foreign Bidder A submitted a bid of P15M which

was declared as the LCB. Domestic preference was specified in the bidding
documents. The lowest Domestic Bidder B submitted a bid of P16.5M, which is 10%
in excess of the LCB. If Bidder B is post-qualified, and the items offered pass the
necessary quality assurance tests, it shall be awarded the contract. However, if it is
postdisqualified, or if the goods it offered do not meet the standard of quality
specified in the Bidding Documents, the award shall be made to Bidder A.
An illustrative case is as follows: Foreign Bidder A submitted a bid of P15M which

was declared as the LCB. Domestic preference was specified in the bidding
documents. The lowest Domestic Bidder B submitted a bid of P17.4M, which is 16%
in excess of the LCB. If Bidder A is post-qualified, and the items offered pass the
necessary quality assurance tests, it shall be awarded the contract, despite the
domestic preference.
A “foreign bid” means any offer of articles, materials or supplies not manufactured or
to be manufactured in the Philippines, substantially from articles, materials or
supplies of the growth, production, or manufacture, as the case may be, of the

Page 63 of 128
Philippines. (Section 2[d], C.A. No. 138) Conversely, a “domestic bid” means any
offer of unmanufactured articles, materials, or supplies of the growth or production
of the Philippines, or manufactured articles, materials or supplies manufactured or to
be manufactured in the Philippines, substantially from articles, materials or supplies
of the growth, production or manufacture, as the case may be, of the Philippines.
(Section 2[c] C.A. No. 138) In US jurisprudence, the term “substantially” was
construed to mean “more than 75%.” Thus, even if a product is manufactured in the
Philippines, it may not be considered within the ambit of the preference if its raw
materials are not substantially sourced from the Philippines.
2. When several bidders participate in a public bidding for the supply of articles,
materials and equipment for a Procuring Entity, including public buildings or public
works, and the LCB is submitted by one other than a “domestic entity” (see definition
below), the award should be made to the domestic entity making the lowest bid,
provided that:
a. the bid of the domestic entity is not more than 15% in excess of the LCB; and
b. the same domestic entity must pass the post-qualification.
A “domestic entity” means any citizen of the Philippines habitually established in

business and engaged in the manufacture or sale of the merchandise covered by his
bid, or any corporate body or commercial company duly organized and registered
under the laws of the Philippines of whose capital 75% is owned by citizens of the
Philippines, or both. (Section 2[b] C.A. No. 138) Applying C.A. No. 138, in the case
of Asbestos Integrated Manufacturing, Inc. v. Metropolitan Waterworks and
Sewerage System (G.R. No. L-45515. October 29, 1987), the term “domestic entity”
was interpreted to mean citizens of the Philippines or corporate bodies or commercial
companies, duly organized and registered under the laws of the Philippines, 75% of
whose capital is owned by citizens of the Philippines, and who are habitually
established in business engaged in the manufacture or sale of merchandise covered
by their bid.
3. In the case of FAPs or procurement undertaken by virtue of international treaties or

agreements, when there is no provision disallowing the application of domestic
preference, in compliance with R.A. 9184 Section 43, the preference in item (a)
above for domestically-produced and manufactured goods, supplies and materials
that meet the specified or desired quality may further be allowed in the interest of:
a. Availability, that is, the domestically-produced goods are more readily

available in the market, like off-the-shelf items;
b. Efficiency; and
c. Timely delivery of goods.
1.
4. In the case of FAPs undertaken through IFI funding, at the request of the Procuring
Entity, and under conditions to be agreed under the loan agreement and set forth in
the bidding documents, a margin of preference may be provided in the evaluation of
bids for:
a. Goods manufactured in the country of the Procuring Entity when comparing

bids offering such goods with those offering goods manufactured abroad; and
b. Works in member countries below a specified threshold of Gross National

Product per capita, when comparing bids from eligible domestic contractors
with those from foreign firms.

Page 64 of 128
5. Where preference for domestically manufactured goods or for domestic contractors is

allowed, the methods and stages set forth in the loan agreement should be followed.
How is the right to match undertaken in bidding of provincial projects?
1. Provincial Projects
The rules on public bidding and procurement processes prescribed in R.A. 9184, its
IRR-A and this Manual, shall apply to priority programs and infrastructure projects
funded out of the GAA for implementation within the province. These projects are
referred to as “provincial projects”. “Provincial projects” are Engineering District
infrastructure projects and priority programs fully funded by the Government and
identified in consultation with the concerned members of Congress.
2. Matching of Bids by Provincial Bidders
A provincial bidder is a contractor whose principal office is within the province where
a provincial priority program or infrastructure project, defined in the immediately
preceding paragraph, is being implemented.
In the bidding of such provincial projects, a provincial bidder is given the privilege to
match the LCB of a bidder who is not a provincial bidder. In implementing this rule,
the following shall be observed:
a. The subject bidding is done within five (5) years from the effectivity of R.A.
9184, or not later than January 26, 2007.
b. The provincial bidder who is given the privilege to match the LCB submits the
lowest bid among the provincial bidders, although it is higher than the LCB.
c. The said provincial bidder shall exercise the privilege to match the LCB within
forty-eight (48) hours from receipt of the notice from the BAC to match the
LCB.
d. Matching shall be made in writing, through appropriate adjustments in the

unit bid prices without changing the Scope of Work and work items prescribed
by the Procuring Entity in the bidding documents.
e. If the provincial bidder is able to match the LCB within the prescribed period
and he passes the post-qualification, the contract will be awarded to him.
However, if he fails to match the LCB or to pass the post-qualification, the
contract will be awarded to the bidder who originally obtained the LCB.
f. This privilege granted to provincial contractors shall not apply to:
i. contracts the coverage of which includes more than one (1)
province; ii. procurement of consulting services;
iii. projects for implementation within Metro Manila.
3. Publication and Posting of Provincial Projects
The release of funds for provincial projects should be published by the Procuring
Entity in accordance with the following requirements:
a. It shall be published in a local newspaper with the widest circulation in the

region during the same period as the advertisement/posting of the IAEB;

Page 65 of 128
b. It shall be posted at any conspicuous place reserved for the purpose in the
premises of the Procuring Entity during the same period as the
advertisement/posting of the IAEB; and
“Conspicuous place” shall mean any place in the premises of the Procuring
Entity that is accessible to the general public and reserved for the purpose of
posting/publishing announcements and/or notices for dissemination to the
public.
c. It shall be posted in the website of the DBM and the PhilGEPS during the
same period as the advertisement/posting of the IAEB.
What rules govern the lease of Computers, Communications, Information

and Other Equipment?
Contracts for lease of construction and office equipment, including computers, communication
and information technology equipment, are subject to the same public bidding and
procurement procedures as prescribed in R.A. 9184, its IRR-A and this Volume 2. (Please
refer also to Joint Memorandum Circular No. 2002-01 issued by the National Computer Center
and the DBM, which provides the policies, rules and regulations on lease of IT equipment.
Also, reference may be made to Department Order No. 188 (dated September 28,1999) and
Department Order No. 219 (dated August 14, 2003), issued by the Department of Public
Works and Highways, governing the lease of construction equipment.)

Page 66 of 128
Step 6 Post-qualify
What is Post-qualification?
Post-qualification is the process of verifying, validating and ascertaining all the statements
made and documents submitted by the bidder with the LCB, which includes ascertaining the
said bidder’s compliance with the legal, financial and technical requirements of the bid.
If its eligibility documents had been

validated and verified, How’s that again?
and its compliance with the
legal, financial, and technical The eligibility check does not ascertain the
requirements of the bid had been validity and genuineness of the eligibility
ascertained, the bidder must be declared documents submitted by the bidders. Neither
the bidder with the “Lowest does it determine the veracity of the claims
Calculated Responsive made by the bidders in their financial and
Bid” (LCRB). (IRR-A Section 34.1) technical proposals.
The post-qualification process, on the other

hand, does.
What does Post-qualification
entail?
Post-qualification involves the BAC

verifying, validating and ascertaining that the bidder satisfies the following criteria: (IRR-A
Section 34.2)
1. Legal Requirements. The post-qualification process under this criterion involves the
verification, validation and ascertaining of the supplier’s claim that it is not included in
any government “blacklist,” as well as all the licenses, permits and other documents
it submitted. The legal requirements refer to the Legal Documents submitted by the
bidder as part of the eligibility requirements, e.g., SEC registration, DTI business
name registration, Mayor’s permit, TIN, etc. The bidder’s status with regard to
“blacklisting” may be verified by checking the Consolidated Blacklisting Report issued
by the GPPB, or the “blacklist” of any government agency.
2. Technical Requirements. Post-qualification under this criterion means that the BAC
would have to validate, verify, and ascertain the veracity of the documents submitted
by a supplier to prove compliance of the goods and services offered with the
requirements of the contract and bidding documents. This involves the following
processes:
a. Verification and validation of the bidder’s stated competence and experience;
b. Verification and/or inspection and testing of the goods/products, after-sales

and/or maintenance capabilities, in applicable cases; or inspection of the
plant/factory of a manufacturer, to determine production capacity; and
c. Ascertainment of the authenticity and sufficiency of the Bid Security as to

type, amount, form and wording, and validity period.
3. Financial Requirements. Under this criterion, the BAC ought to verify, validate and
ascertain the bid price proposal of the bidder and, whenever applicable, its
computation of the NFCC, the required bank commitment to provide a credit line to
the bidder, or the hold out on deposit status of the cash deposit certificate, in the

Page 67 of 128
amount specified and over the period stipulated in the ITB. This is to ensure that the
bidder can sustain the operating cash flow of the transaction.
What is the Timeline for the conduct of Post-qualification?
The post-qualification process must be conducted and completed within seven (7)
calendar days from the determination of the LCB. However, in the procurement of goods
requiring elaborate testing (such as equipment sourced from abroad) and other exceptional
cases, the Head of the Procuring Entity may extend the post-qualification period, but in no
case should the aggregate period exceed thirty (30) calendar days. (IRR-A Section 34.1)
Who are involved in the conduct of Post-qualification?
The following Parties are involved in the conduct of post-qualification:
1. The BAC;
2. The TWG;
3. The BAC Secretariat / Procurement Unit; and
4. The eligible supplier/manufacturer, ranked starting from bidder with the LCB.
Methodology: How is Post-qualification conducted?
The following steps are followed in the conduct of post-qualification:
1. The BAC/TWG verifies, validates, and ascertains the genuineness, validity and
accuracy of the legal, technical and financial documents submitted by the bidder with
the LCB, using the non-discretionary criteria described above.
In verifying the information contained in such documents, the BAC/TWG may make
inquiries with appropriate government agencies and examine the original documents
kept in the bidder’s place of business. The use of other means for verification and
validation of such documents may be resorted to by the BAC/TWG, such as the
Internet and other research methods that yield the same results.
2. The BAC/TWG conducts a site inspection of the bidder’s place of business and/or
plant/factory, where applicable.
3. The BAC/TWG tests samples for compliance with specifications and performance
levels, where applicable.
4. The BAC/TWG inquires about the bidder’s performance in relation with other
contracts/transactions as indicated in its eligibility statement (statement of on-going,
completed or awarded contracts).
5. If the TWG conducts the post-qualification, it prepares a Post-qualification Report to

be submitted to the BAC. The Report shall contain, among others, the activities
undertaken with regard to the post-qualification process, feedback from inquiries
conducted, and the results of any tests conducted by the TWG or an accredited
government testing center, where applicable.
6. The BAC reviews the Post-qualification Report submitted by the TWG.

Page 68 of 128
7. The BAC determines whether the bidder with the LCB passes all the criteria for
postqualification.
8. If the LCB passes the post-qualification, the BAC declares it as the LCRB.
9. After the BAC has determined the LCRB, the Secretariat, with the assistance of the
TWG, if necessary, prepares the BAC Resolution declaring the LCRB and the
corresponding Notice to the said bidder informing it of its post-qualification.
What happens if the bidder with the LCB fails Post-qualification?
If the bidder with the LCB fails to pass post qualification, the BAC shall immediately notify
the said bidder in writing of its post-disqualification and the grounds for it. The post-
disqualified bidder shall have three (3) calendar days from receipt of the said notification to
request from the BAC, if it so wishes, a reconsideration of its decision. The BAC shall
evaluate the request for reconsideration, if any, using the same non-discretionary criteria,
and shall issue its final determination of the said request within seven (7) calendar days
from receipt thereof. (IRRA Section 34.4) Similar to the cases of bidders deemed to be
ineligible and whose bids are rated “failed,” the bidder with the LCB who fails to pass post-
qualification may likewise file a protest with the payment of the corresponding fee in case
the BAC denies its request for reconsideration. (Please refer to Step 4, Receive and Open
Eligibility Envelopes and Bids for further discussions on filing a protest.)
Immediately after the BAC has notified the first bidder of its post-disqualification, and
notwithstanding any pending request for reconsideration thereof, the BAC shall initiate and
complete the same post-qualification process on the bidder with the second LCB. If the
second bidder passes the post-qualification, and provided that the request for
reconsideration of the first bidder has been denied, the BAC shall declare the second bidder
as the bidder with the LCRB. The Head of the Procuring Entity shall then award the contract
to it. (IRR-A Section 34.5)
If the second bidder, however, fails the post-qualification, the procedure for post-
qualification shall be repeated for the bidder with the next LCB, and so on until the LCRB, is
determined for award. (IRR-A Section 34.7)
What happens if all bidders fail Post-qualification?
If no bidder passes post-qualification, the BAC shall issue a Resolution declaring a failure of
bidding. In such a case, the BAC shall issue a Resolution declaring a failure of bidding. The
BAC then reviews the terms and conditions stated in the IAEB. If warranted, it changes any
of the terms and conditions, including the quantities or specifications, provided that the ABC
is left unchanged. It must, thereafter, conduct a re-bidding, in the process formulating a
new IAEB and posting and publishing this as required. (IRR-A Section 35) All bidders that
have initially responded to the IAEB in the first bidding shall be allowed to submit new bids.


Page 69 of 128
When may the Procuring Entity exercise its right to reject bids, declare a
failure of bidding, or not award the contract?
The Procuring Entity may exercise the right to reject any and all bids, to declare a failure of
bidding, or not to award the contract in any of the following situations (IRR-A Section
41.1):
1. If there is prima facie evidence of collusion between appropriate public officers or

employees of the Procuring Entity, or between the BAC and any of the bidders, or
between or among the bidders themselves, or between a bidder and a third party,
including any act which restricts, suppresses or nullifies or tends to restrict,
suppress or nullify
competition; How’s that again?
2. If the BAC is found to have What are the instances where the BAC is
failed in following the considered to have failed in following the
prescribed bidding prescribed procedures?
procedures, for which the
applicable sanctions shall be
The following are some instances where the BAC is
applied to the
deemed to have failed to follow prescribed
erring
procedures:
officers, as provided in IRRA
Section 65; or
1. Prescribing an insufficient number of days in
the advertisement and/or posting of the IAEB;
3. For any justifiable and
reasonable ground where the 2. Exceeding the required periods for eligibility
award of the contract will screening, bid evaluation, post-qualification for
not redound to the benefit each lowest calculated bidder or for awarding
of the government as the contract without justifiable cause;
follows: 3. Conducting the pre-bid conference or issuing
the bidding documents in less than the required
a. If the physical and number of days before deadline for the
economic conditions submission and opening of bids;
have significantly 4. Requiring the bidder to submit additional
changed so as to documents which is tantamount to improving
render the project no his bidding documents; and
longer 5. Allowing a bidder to become eligible or pass the
economically, post-qualification with incomplete documents.
financially or
technically feasible
as determined by the Head of the Procuring Entity;
b. If the project is no longer necessary as determined by the Head of the

Procuring Entity; and
c. If the source of funds for the project has been withheld or reduced through no
fault of the Procuring Entity.

Page 70 of 128
Step 7 Award the Contract
What is the rule on Contract Award?
The contract shall be awarded to the bidder with the LOWEST CALCULATED RESPONSIVE
BID at its submitted bid price or its calculated bid price, whichever is lower. 14 (IRR-A
Section 37.1)
The BAC shall issue a Resolution recommending to the Head of the Procuring Entity award of
the contract to the bidder with the LCRB at its submitted bid price or its calculated bid price,
whichever is lower.
Prior to the expiration of the period of bid validity, the Procuring Entity should notify the
successful bidder in writing that its bid has been accepted, through a Notice of Award
received personally or sent by registered mail or electronically. It is important that, in case
the Notice of Award is not received personally, its receipt must be confirmed in writing within
two (2) days by the successful bidder and submitted personally or sent by registered mail or
electronically to the Procuring Entity (this particular instruction must be included in the ITB so
that the bidder may be guided accordingly).
What is the Timeline for Contract Award?
The Head of Procuring Entity or his duly authorized representative should approve or
disapprove the recommendation of award within seven (7) calendar days from the date
of determination and declaration by the BAC of the LCRB. In the case of GOCCs and
GFIs, the governing Board has a period of fifteen (15) calendar days to approve or
disapprove the said recommendation. (IRR-A Section 37.2)
The Notice of Award shall be given to the bidder with the LCRB immediately after approval
of the recommendation. Simultaneously, a copy of the Notice shall be furnished to all losing
bidders, and posted in the website of the PhilGEPS, as well as the websites of the Procuring
Entity and its electronic
How’s that again? procurement service provider, if any.
What is the maximum period of time

within which a contract can be Who are involved in the Award of the
awarded? Contract?
Contract award must be made within eighty The following must participate in the activities
(80) calendar days from the date of bid related to the awarding of the Contract:
opening but not to exceed the bid validity
period as specified in the bidding documents. 1. The Head of the Procuring Entity;
(IRR-A Section 37.2.2) If award cannot be
made within the said period, the bid validity
2. The BAC;
period should be extended. (Please refer to
Step on Preparing the Bidding Documents for
the discussion on extension of the bid 3. The Procurement Office;
validity period.)
4. The BAC Secretariat/
Procurement Unit;
14 For FAPs, the award shall be based on the adjusted price after correction of error in computation.

Page 71 of 128
5. The bidder who submitted the LCRB/SCRB; and
6. The Observers.
Methodology: How is a contract awarded?
The following steps are followed in the awarding of a contract:
1. The BAC Secretariat consolidates all the documents and/or records of the proceedings
of the BAC with regard to the procurement at hand, and attaches the same to the
BAC Resolution.
2. The BAC Secretariat drafts the BAC Resolution recommending award.
3. The BAC approves and signs the Resolution Recommending Award, and transmits the
same to the Head of the Procuring Entity.
4. The Head of the Procuring Entity, or his/her duly authorized representative, acts on
the recommendation for award within seven (7) calendar days from the date of
determination and declaration by the BAC of the LCRB/SCRB. In the case of GOCCs
and GFIs, the governing Board shall have fifteen (15) calendar days within which to
approve the recommendation for award.
5. In case of approval of the recommendation, the Head of the Procuring Entity, through
the procurement unit/office, issues the Notice of Award to the bidder with the
LCRB/SCRB, while the BAC accordingly notifies the losing bidders. In case of a
disapproval of the recommendation of award, the Head of the Procuring Entity shall
state the reason(s) for disapproval and instruct the BAC on the subsequent steps to
be adopted.
6. The bidder with the LCRB/SCRB accepts the Notice of Award.
What happens if the bidder being considered for award does not accept the
award?
If the bidder refuses to accept the award within the bid validity period, the BAC shall
forfeit the bid security of the bidder and shall initiate the blacklisting proceedings in
accordance with the Uniform Guidelines for Blacklisting (GPPB Resolution No.
092004). It then initiates and completes the post-qualification of the bidder with the second
lowest calculated bid. If found qualified, the said bidder shall be awarded the contract. This
procedure is repeated until the LCRB is determined. Should all eligible bidders fail
postqualification, the BAC must declare the bidding a failure.
Refusal to accept an award, without just cause or for the purpose of forcing the Procuring
Entity to award the contract to another bidder, if proven, is meted with a penalty of
imprisonment of not less than six (6) years and one (1) day by not more than fifteen (15)
years. (IRR-A Section 65.3.4) Additional penalties of suspension for one (1) year from
participation in government procurement for the first offense, and suspension for two (2)
years for the second offense shall also be imposed on the bidder. (IRR-A Section 69.1)
Step 8 Have the Contract Signed and Approved and Issue

the Notice to Proceed

Page 72 of 128
When must the winning bidder and the Procuring Entity enter into a
contract?
The winning bidder and the Procuring Entity must enter into a contract immediately after the
former has submitted the performance security and all other documentary requirements
within the period specified in the IRR-A. The parties must sign the contract within ten (10)
calendar days from receipt by the winning bidder of the Notice of Award. (IRR-A Section
37.3)
The Chief Accountant or the Chief Budget Officer may sign the contract as an instrumental
witness thereto.
The Procuring Entity signatory is encouraged to sign within the same day as the signing of
the bidder as there are penalties against delaying, without justifiable cause, the award of the
contract. (IRR-A Section 65.1) Moreover, it would be best for the winning bidder and the
Head of the Procuring Entity, or its appropriate signing authority, to sign/execute the contract
together – provided that all contract documents and requirements are complete – so that
both may personally appear before a Notary Public.
What are the Timelines to be considered with respect to contract approval?
When, after contract signing, further approval of a higher authority is required, the
approving authority for the contract, or his duly authorized representative, shall be given a
maximum of fifteen (15) calendar days from receipt thereof, together with all
documentary requirements to perfect the said contract, to approve or disapprove it. In the
case of GOCCs and GFIs, when further approval of the governing Board is required, the said
governing Board or its duly authorized representative has twenty-five (25) calendar days.
When should the Procuring Entity issue the NTP?
The NTP must be issued together with a copy or copies of the approved contract to the
successful bidder within three (3) calendar days from the date of approval of the contract
by the appropriate government approving authority. (IRR-A Section 37.5)
When is a contract “effective”?
Unless otherwise specified in the contract, a contract is effective upon receipt of the NTP. If
an effectivity date is provided in the NTP by the Procuring Entity concerned, all notices called
for by the terms of the approved contract shall be effective only from such effectivity date,
but such effectivity date should not be later than seven (7) calendar days from the
issuance of the NTP. (IRR-A Section 37.5)
Who are the Parties involved in Contract Signing and Approval and
Issuance of the NTP?
The following parties are involved in the signing and approval of the contract, and in the
issuance of the NTP:

Page 73 of 128
1. The BAC Secretariat/Procurement Unit/Office;
2. The Head of the Procuring Entity;
3. The winning bidder; and
4. End-user;
What documents form part of the contract?
The contract shall include the following:
1. The Contract Agreement;
2. Conditions of the contract (General and Specific);
3. Technical Specifications of Goods or Scope of Work for services;
4. IAEB;
TIPS: Let’s make doing things

5. Bidding documents;
easier
In most procuring entities, particularly the bureaus or
lower-level offices of national government agencies
(NGAs) or centrally managed GOCCs or GFIs, the
contract signatory is a different official from the
approving authority. For example, a bureau director
may only be authorized to approve contracts up to
P50M. Contracts exceeding the said amount are
brought up to the Secretary for approval. Different
procuring entities have different levels of delegated
authority, but the principle is essentially the same –
the higher the contract amount, the higher is the
level of the approving authority. In cases like this,
the contract is considered approved upon the
approval of such higher authority. The existence of
this policy is the usual cause of delays in
procurement transactions.
Section 38 of R.A. 9184 and Section 38.2 of its IRR-A

are designed to remove this cause for delay. These
provisions mandate that if further approval of a
higher authority within or outside the procuring entity
(other than the President of the Philippines) is
required, and that authority does not take any action
on the contract within the prescribed period, the
contract concerned is deemed approved.
Only contracts that are duly signed by the

appropriate signatory, but require further approval,
are covered by this rule, because an unsigned
contract is a mere piece of paper and cannot be the
basis of a government liability.
6. Addenda and/or
Supplemental/Bid
Bulletins, if any;

Page 74 of 128
7. Bid form including all the documents/statements contained in the winning bidder’s
two bidding envelopes, as annexes;
8. Eligibility requirements, documents and/or

statements;
9. Performance Security;
10. Credit Line issued by a licensed bank in accordance with the provisions of
the IRR-A, if applicable;
11. Notice of Award of Contract and winning bidder’s “Conforme”

thereto; and
12. Other contract documents that may be required by existing laws and/or the Procuring
Entity concerned.
Methodology:
1. The winning bidder submits all the documentary requirements, including the
performance security, and signs the contract.
2. The procurement unit/ office transmits the contract and its attachments to the budget
office (for issuance of the OS) and the Chief Accountant (for issuance of the CAF)
3. The procurement unit/office transmits the contract documents to the Head of the
Procuring Entity or appropriate signing authority for signature, together with the
following documents:
a. Duly approved delivery schedule and cost estimates or the PPMP;
b. OS;
c. CAF;
d. Abstract of Bids;
e. Resolution of the BAC recommending award;
f. Approval of award by the appropriate approving authority; and
g. Other pertinent documents that may be required by existing laws and/or the
Procuring Entity concerned.
4. After signing, if the contract needs the approval of a higher authority – such as, for
bureaus, the Department Secretary, when required – the procurement unit/office
transmits the contract and related documents to the approving authority or his
authorized representative for approval.
5. The approving authority or his authorized representative acts on the contract within
fifteen (15) calendar days, or twenty-five (25) calendar days for GOCCs and GFIs,
from receipt thereof.

Page 75 of 128
6. If further approval is required (e.g. approval of the Office of the President), or a

review by another government body is necessary (e.g., NEDA or DOJ review), the
Head of the Procuring Entity transmits the contract documents to the appropriate
approving authority or reviewing body. The periods indicated above for approval of
contracts still apply, except if the approving authority is the Office of the President.
7. The Head of the Procuring Entity or his/her duly authorized representative issues the
NTP within three (3) calendar days from the date of the approval of the contract.
What are the rules governing the review and approval of government
contracts?
Executive Order 423, s. 2005, prescribes the rules and regulations on the review and
approval of government contracts. Essentially, E.O. 423 provides that, except for
government contracts required by law to be acted upon and/or approved by the President,
the Head of the Procuring Entity shall have full authority to give final approval and/or enter
into all government contracts of his respective government agency, awarded through public
bidding, regardless of amount. Provided, that the Head of the Procuring Entity certifies under
oath that the contract has been entered into in faithful compliance with all applicable laws
and regulations. The Head of a Procuring Entity may also delegate in writing this full
authority to give final approval and/or enter into government contracts awarded through
public bidding as circumstances may warrant (i.e. to decentralization of procurement in a
government agency), subject to such limitations as he may impose. For procurement
undertaken through any of the alternative methods allowed by law, where the government
contract involves an amount less than P500 Million, except where action or approval of the
President is required, the Head of the Procuring Entity shall have full authority to give final
approval and/or enter into such contract, provided that the Department Secretary concerned
certifies under oath that the contract has been entered into in faithful compliance with all
applicable laws and regulations. He may delegate in writing this authority, as circumstances
may warrant (i.e. to decentralize procurement), subject to such limitations as he may
impose.
Where the Head of the Procuring Entity has made a determination that a Government
contract, including Government contracts required by law to be acted upon and/or approved
by the President, involving an amount of at least P500 Million falls under any of the
exceptions from public bidding allowed by law, the Head of the Procuring Entity shall, before
proceeding with the alternative methods of procurement provided by law and applicable rules
and regulations, obtain the following requirements:
1. An opinion from the GPPB that said Government contract falls within the exceptions
from public bidding; and
2. Approval from the Director-General of NEDA to proceed with a specific alternative

method of procurement under the exceptional cases provided by law and applicable
rules and regulations.
Except for Government contracts required by law to be acted upon and/or approved by the
President, the Head of the Procuring Entity, after obtaining the foregoing requirements, shall
have full contracts of their his respective agency, entered into through alternative methods
of procurement allowed by law. Provided, that the head of the procurement entity certifies
under oath that the contract has been entered into in faithful compliance with all applicable
laws and regulations.
What happens if the bidder with the LCRB or SCRB refuses or is unable,
through its own fault, to post the performance security and sign the
contract within the prescribed period?

Page 76 of 128
If the bidder with the LCRB or SCRB (as defined in Step 4, Receive and Open Eligibility
Envelopes and Bids) refuses to, or is unable, through its own fault, to post the performance
security and sign the contract within the prescribed period:
1. Its bid security is forfeited;
2. It is disqualified from further participating in the bidding at hand;
3. Upon conviction, the relevant officers or individuals will suffer the penalty of
imprisonment of not less than six (6) and one (1) day and not more than fifteen (15)
years; and
4. Upon determination of administrative liability, it will suffer the administrative

penalties of suspension for one (1) year from participation in government
procurement for the first offense, and suspension for two (2) years for the second
offense. This is without prejudice to the blacklisting proceedings undertaken in
accordance with the Uniform Guidelines for Blacklisting (GPPB Resolution 09-2004).
For its part, the BAC must initiate and complete the post-qualification of the bidder with the
second LCB. This procedure must be repeated until the LCRB is determined for award. If no
bidder passes post-qualification, the BAC declares the bidding a failure and conducts a
rebidding with re-posting and re-advertisement. Should there be another failure of bidding
after the conduct of the re-bidding, the Procuring Entity may enter into a negotiated
procurement. (IRR-A Section 40.2)
If the bidder that fails to post the performance security and sign the contract happens to be
one with the SCRB, the BAC must declare the bidding a failure. It then conducts a re-
bidding with re-posting and re-advertisement. Should there be another failure of bidding
after the conduct of the re-bidding, the Procuring Entity may enter into a negotiated
procurement. (IRR-A Section 40.3)
The BAC shall initiate the process of blacklisting. The Uniform Guidelines for Blacklisting of
manufacturers, suppliers, distributors, and contractors shall be used.
What happens if the failure of the bidder with the LCRB or SCRB to sign the
contract within the prescribed period is not its own doing?
If the failure of the bidder with the LCRB or SCRB to sign the contract within the prescribed
period is not due to its fault, the sanctions mentioned above shall not be imposed. (IRR-A
Section 40.1)

Page 77 of 128
Two-Stage Competitive Bidding
What is Two-Stage Competitive Bidding?
The Two-Stage Competitive Bidding is one where the bidding process is divided in two (2)
stages. The first stage involves the issuance by the Procuring Entity of bidding documents
with technical specifications that are not yet well defined and merely in the form of
performance criteria, and the submission by the bidders of their respective Letters of Intent,
eligibility requirements, if needed, and initial Technical Proposals without price. This allows
the Procuring Entity to receive inputs from the eligible bidders whose Technical Proposals
meet the minimum performance standards (a meeting/discussion may be held with these
bidders), for purposes of drawing up the final revised technical specifications/requirements of
the contract. The second stage involves the release of the well-defined technical
specifications by the Procuring Entity, followed by the conduct of the regular procedure for
public bidding with all the bidders identified during the first stage, who shall then be required
to submit their respective revised Technical Proposals including their Financial Proposals.
What are the instances when a Procuring Entity may employ the Two-Stage
Competitive Bidding Procedure?
The Two-Stage Competitive Bidding Procedure may be employed for the procurement of
goods when:
1. Due to the nature of the project requirements (e.g. complex information and
communications technology), the required technical specifications/requirements of
the contract cannot be precisely defined in advance of bidding, or it may be
undesirable or impractical to prepare complete technical specifications in advance.
Procuring entities may consider it undesirable or impractical to compare complete

technical specifications in advance under any of the following circumstances:
a. In the case of turnkey contracts;
b. Contracts for large complex facilities;
c. Complex information and communication technology; or
d. Works of a special nature.
2. The problem of technically unequal bids is likely to occur.
The purpose of the bidding procedure is to come up with well-defined, standardized technical
specifications, with inputs from all stakeholders, including the bidders themselves.
What is the timeline for the conduct of a Two-Stage Competitive Bidding?
The timeline for the conduct of a Two-Stage Competitive Bidding will depend on several
variables:

Page 78 of 128
1. The Project Timelines as defined by the PMO or end-user unit;
2. The technical complexity of the Project; and
3. The time required for drawing up the final technical specifications.
These variables, however, affect only the first stage of the bidding, as well as the drawing up
of the final technical specifications. Thus, while the timelines for the first stage may not be
definite, the second stage shall follow the timelines prescribed for the regular competitive
bidding procedure. In setting the timelines, the Procuring Entity should ensure that the time
periods involved are reasonable and that there is no undue delay of the entire procurement
procedure and project implementation.
Who are involved in the Two-Stage Competitive Bidding process?
The following are involved in the Two-Stage Competitive Bidding process:
1. The PMO or end-user unit;
2. The TWG;
3. The BAC;
4. The BAC Secretariat; and
5. The Observers.
Methodology: How is the Two-Stage Competitive Bidding process

conducted?
The general process for a two-stage bidding is as follows:
1. In the first stage, bidders are first invited to submit technical offers (plus other bid
requirements) without prices, on the basis of a conceptual design or performance
specifications which lay down the minimum operating and performance requirements.
2. Each of the unpriced technical bids shall then be discussed between the bidder
concerned and the Procuring Entity and its consultants, if any, for the purpose of
providing for technical and commercial clarifications and adjustments, and in order to
agree on an acceptable technical standard for all bids.
3. At the second stage, the bidding documents will then be amended, but in revising the
said bidding documents, the Procuring Entity would have to respect the confidentiality
of the bidders’ technical proposals used in the first stage, consistent with
requirements of transparency and intellectual property rights. After the discussions,
the bidders shall be given an opportunity to revise or adjust their proposals to
conform to the standards agreed upon. The bidders shall also be invited to submit
price proposals and these shall be evaluated.
The following specific steps are followed in the conduct of the Two-Stage Bidding process:
1. The TWG, with the assistance of the PMO or end-user unit, prepares the bidding
documents in accordance with the usual procedures. However, the technical
specifications shall only be in the form of performance criteria, i.e. the technical

Page 79 of 128
specifications shall contain functional descriptions of the goods, or expected output

for services, without specifying the details thereof.
2. If necessary, the BAC calls a Pre-Procurement Conference, following the procedures

set forth in Step 1 of competitive Bidding.
3. The BAC issues the Bidding Documents which contain, in addition to the items
prescribed for competitive bidding, a request for the prospective bidders to submit
the following:
a. Letter of Intent;
b. Eligibility requirements, if needed; and
c. Initial Technical Proposals only (no price tenders).
4. The BAC, with the

assistance of the TWG,
Tip: Let’s make doing things easier
conducts the Eligibility
Check, as conducted in a On the drawing up of the final technical
Single-Stage specifications under the Two-Stage
Competitive Bidding Competitive Bidding procedure
procedure, and proceeds
with the
In drawing up the final technical specifications, the TWG
determination of the eligible and
and BAC should ensure that the PMO/end-user unit is
ineligible bidders.
properly consulted, and has agreed to the said
specifications.
5. The TWG evaluates the
technical merits of the proposals received
from eligible bidders vis-à-vis the required performance standards, and determines
the proposals that meet the minimum standards.
6. The TWG and BAC meet/discuss with the eligible bidders whose Technical Proposals
meet the minimum required standards stipulated in the bidding documents. The
purpose of this meeting is to draw up the final revised technical
specifications/requirements of the contract.
7. Once the final revised technical specifications are completed and duly approved by
the BAC, copies of the same shall be provided to all eligible bidders that met the
minimum technical standards. The latter are then required to submit their revised
Technical Proposals, including their Financial Proposals in two (2) separate sealed
envelopes, at a specified deadline, after which time no more bids shall be received.
8. The BAC proceeds with the bid evaluation, post-qualification, award of contract and
contract signing in accordance with the procedure and timelines prescribed for
competitive bidding.
What happens if no prospective bidder submits a Letter of Intent?
If no prospective bidder submits a Letter of Intent, the BAC shall issue a Resolution
declaring the bidding a failure. In such a case, the BAC shall issue a Resolution declaring a
failure of bidding. The BAC
How’s that again? then reviews the terms and
conditions stated in the IAEB.
How does the ABC affect a bidder under a Two- If warranted, it changes any of
the terms and conditions,
Stage Competitive Bidding procedure?
including the quantities or
specifications, provided that
The approved budget for the contract under bidding shall the ABC is left unchanged. It
be the upper limit or ceiling for acceptable bid prices. If a
bid price, as evaluated and calculated in accordance with
Manual of
this IRR-A, is higher than the approved Procedures
budget for for
thethe Procurement of Goods and Services
contract under bidding, the bidder submitting the same
shall be automatically disqualified. There shall be no
lower limit or floor on the amount of the award.
Page 80 of 128
must, thereafter, conduct a rebidding, in the process formulating a new IAEB and posting
and publishing this as required. (IRR-A Section 35) All bidders that have initially
responded to the IAEB in the first bidding shall be allowed to submit new bids.
If the original estimate is found to be inadequate on reassessment to meet the objectives

of the project, it is may be necessary to reduce the scope of the project (or adjust the ABC
should there be a second failure of bidding).
legally, technically, and financially capable supplier. (IRR-A Sections 35.3 and 53)

SECTION 4
Instructions on the Procedural

Steps for the Procurement of
Goods and Services
PART TWO – ALTERNATIVE METHODS OF
PROCUREMENT
Page 83 of 128
The Alternative Methods for the Procurement of Goods and

Services
What is the rule on the use of alternative methods of procurement?
Generally, procurement should be through competitive bidding. In preparing the APP, the
Procuring Entity must ensure that there is sufficient time to undertake competitive bidding.
However, the law allows the use of alternative methods of procurement in some exceptional
instances, provided:
1. There is prior approval of the Head of the Procuring Entity on the use of alternative
methods of procurement, as recommended by the BAC; and
2. The conditions required by law for the use of alternative methods are present.
In resorting to any of the alternative methods of procurement, the Procuring Entity must ensure
that the method chosen promotes economy and efficiency, and that the most advantageous price
for the government is obtained.15
For the procurement of goods, the following alternative methods of procurement may be resorted
to:
1. Limited Source Bidding
2. Direct Contracting
3. Repeat Order
4. Shopping
5. Negotiated Procurement
15 For FAPs, different rules of procedures apply for procurement of commodities, because the market prices of commodities –
such as grain, animal feed, cooking oil, fuel, fertilizer and metals – fluctuate depending upon the demand and supply at any
particular time. Many are quoted in established commodity markets.
Page 84 of 128
Limited Source Bidding
What is Limited Source Bidding?
LIMITED SOURCE BIDDING, otherwise known as SELECTIVE BIDDING, is a method of

procurement of goods and consulting services that involves the issuance of a direct invitation to bid
by the concerned Procuring Entity to a set of pre-selected suppliers or consultants with known
experience and proven capability on the requirements of the particular contract. (IRRA Section 49)
When shall Limited Source Bidding be allowed?
Limited Source Bidding may be employed by a Procuring Entity under any of the following
conditions:
1. If only a few suppliers of the goods to be procured are known to be available, such that
resorting to public bidding method will not likely result in any additional suppliers
participating in the bidding. An example is the procurement of highly specialized types of
Goods like sophisticated defense equipment (e.g., fighter planes, Battleships, complex air
navigation systems, or coal); or
2. In the procurement of major plant components where it is deemed advantageous to limit the
bidding to known qualified bidders in order to maintain uniform quality and performance of
the plant as a whole.
Who will be invited to bid?
In choosing the Bidders, the Procuring Entity shall consider only those suppliers appearing in a list
maintained by the relevant government authority that has expertise in the type of procurement
concerned. This list should have been submitted to, maintained and updated with the GPPB and
posted in the PhilGEPS. (IRR-A Section 49) In the absence of a relevant government authority,
the Procuring Entity has to resort to open competitive bidding in its selection of a supplier. Examples
of relevant government authorities are the NTC for telecommunications equipment, the FED of the
PNP for firearms and ammunition, and the Bureau of Food and Drug for drugs.
Who are involved in conducting the Limited Source Bidding?
The following are involved in the conduct of limited source bidding for the procurement of goods:
2. The BAC;
3. The TWG;
4. The BAC Secretariat/ Procurement Unit;
5. The invited suppliers; and

Page 85 of 128
6. The Observers.
Methodology: How is procurement through the Limited Source Bidding method
conducted?
The following steps are followed in conducting a limited source bidding:
1. The method of procurement to be used shall be as indicated in the approved APP. If the
original mode of procurement recommended in the APP was Public Bidding but cannot be
ultimately pursued, the BAC, through a resolution, shall justify and recommend the change
in the mode of procurement to be approved by the Head of the Procuring Entity.
2. The BAC, through the TWG and the BAC Secretariat, prepares the bidding documents,
including the IAEB (indicating therein the method of procurement to be used) and the
technical specifications, in accordance with the procedures laid down in the IRR-A, this
Manual and the PBDs.
3. The BAC, through the Secretariat, gets the list of pre-selected suppliers from the government
authority that has expertise in the type of procurement at hand. It may also access the
PhilGEPS website as a secondary source of information.
4. If a pre-procurement conference is required or deemed necessary as previously discussed in

this Manual, the BAC holds the said conference. If a pre-procurement conference is held, the
participants should confirm the existence of the conditions required by law for procurement
through Limited Source Bidding.
5. The BAC, through the Secretariat, posts for information purposes the IAEB in:
a. The PhilGEPS;
b. The website of the Procuring Entity and its electronic procurement service provider, if
any; and
c. Any conspicuous place in the premises of the Procuring Entity;
for a period of seven (7) calendar days prior to the opening of the bids.
6. The BAC Secretariat sends the IAEB to the pre-selected suppliers. The IAEB is sent to ALL
suppliers in the list.
7. The BAC proceeds with the pre-bid conference (if deemed warranted under the
circumstances), eligibility check, bid evaluation, post-qualification and succeeding activities
up to contract award, signing and approval, following the procedures for Competitive
Bidding.
Are bid and performance securities required for this method of procurement?
Yes, these are required and should be posted in accordance with procedures for competitive bidding.
Direct Contracting
What is Direct Contracting?

Page 86 of 128
DIRECT CONTRACTING or SINGLE SOURCE PROCUREMENT is a method of procurement of

Goods that does not require elaborate bidding documents. The supplier is simply asked to submit a
price quotation or a pro-forma invoice together with the conditions of sale. The offer may be
accepted immediately or after some negotiations. (IRR-A Section 50)
When shall Direct Contracting be allowed?
Direct Contracting may be resorted to by a Procuring Entity under any of the following conditions:
1. Procurement of items of proprietary nature which can be obtained only from the proprietary
source, i.e., when patents, trade secrets and copyrights prohibit others from manufacturing
the same item.
This is applicable when the goods or services being procured are covered by a patent, trade
secret or copyright duly acquired under the law. Under the Intellectual Property Code of the
Philippines (R.A. No. 8293), the registered owner of a patent, a copyright or any other form
of intellectual property has exclusive rights over the product, design or process covered by
such patent, copyright or registration. Such exclusive right includes the right to use,
manufacture, sell, or otherwise to derive economic benefit from the item, design or process.
2. When the procurement of critical plant components from a specific manufacturer, supplier or
distributor is a condition precedent to hold a contractor to guarantee its project performance
in accordance with the provisions of its contract.
This is applicable when there is a contract for an infrastructure project consisting of the
construction/repair/renovation of a plant, and critical components of such plant are
prescribed by the contractor for it to guarantee its contract performance. For example, in
the construction of a power generation plant, the contractor may require the use of certain
components manufactured by a specific manufacturer, whose products have been found to
meet certain standards and are compatible with the technology used by the contractor. In
this instance, Direct Contracting may be resorted to in the procurement of such critical plant
components. However, the BAC must require technical proof that such critical plant
components are the ONLY products compatible with the plant.
3. Those sold by an exclusive dealer or manufacturer that does not have sub-dealers selling at
lower prices and for which no suitable substitute can be obtained at more advantageous
terms to the Government. Exclusive dealership does not per se give rise to the use of direct
contracting as an alternative mode. The supplier/contractor/ manufacturer must prove
through proper documentation that it is the sole source of the said the goods, equipment, or
services required.
This condition anticipates a situation where the goods are sold by an exclusive dealer or
distributor, or directly sold by the manufacturer. In this instance, it is highly unlikely that
sub-dealers can sell the same at lower prices. Further, the Procuring Entity has not
identified a suitable substitute for the product that can be procured at terms more
advantageous to the government.
How can Direct Contracting be justified?
To justify the need to procure through the Direct Contracting method, the BAC should
conduct a survey of the industry and determine the supply source. This survey should
confirm the exclusivity of the source of goods or services to be procured. In all cases where
Direct Contracting is contemplated, the survey must be conducted prior to the
commencement of the procurement process. Moreover, the Procuring Entity must justify the
necessity for an item that may only be procured through Direct Contracting, and it must be

Page 87 of 128
able to prove that there is no suitable substitute in the market that can be obtained at more
advantageous terms.
Who are involved in procurement through Direct Contracting?
The following are involved in the conduct of direct contracting:
2. The BAC;
3. The TWG;
4. The BAC Secretariat/ Procurement Unit; and
5. The supplier/manufacturer.
Methodology: How is Direct Contracting conducted?
The following steps are undertaken in conducting Direct Contracting:
1. The method of procurement to be used shall be as indicated in the approved APP. If

the original mode of procurement recommended in the APP was Public Bidding but
cannot be ultimately pursued, the BAC, through a resolution shall justify and
recommend the change in the mode of procurement to be approved by the Head of
the Procuring Entity.
2. For information purposes, the BAC, through the BAC Secretariat shall post the notice
direct contracting in the following:
a. The PhilGEPS;
b. The website of the Procuring Entity and its electronic procurement service
provider, if any; and
c. Any conspicuous place in the premises of the Procuring Entity.
3. The BAC, through the TWG and the BAC Secretariat, prepares the Request for
Quotation, technical specifications and draft contract in accordance with the
procedures laid down in this Manual, in the IRR-A and in the PBDs.
4. The BAC, through the Secretariat, identifies the supplier from whom the goods will
be procured.
5. If a pre-procurement conference is required or deemed necessary, as previously

discussed in this Manual, the BAC holds such a conference. If a pre-procurement
conference is held, the participants should confirm the existence of the conditions
required by law for procurement through Direct Contracting.
6. The BAC, through the Secretariat, posts for information purposes the Request for
Quotation for a period of seven (7) calendar days prior to sending the Request for
Quotation, in:

Page 88 of 128
a. The PhilGEPS;
any; and
7. The BAC sends the Request for Quotation to the selected supplier. If necessary, negotiations
are conducted to ensure that the Government is able to procure the goods at the most
advantageous terms.
8. The BAC proceeds with contract signing and approval.
Should a Procuring Entity require a performance security under this method of

procurement?
Yes, performance security must be posted.

Page 89 of 128
Repeat Order
What is Repeat Order?
REPEAT ORDER, is a method of procurement of goods from the previous winning bidder, whenever
there is a need to replenish Goods procured under a contract previously awarded through
Competitive Bidding. The procurement should be covered by the contingency provided for in the
APP. (IRR-A Section 51)
Repeat Orders from the previous winning bidder may be resorted to by the Procuring Entity only in
cases where the procured item is clearly superior to the other bids. This superiority must exist, not
only in the price quoted but also in equipment reliability, availability of spare parts, after-sales
service and delivery period, among others. The bid should not have been so closely contested, such
that if a bidding would be conducted again, the previous winning bidder would still have a high
probability of winning.
When is Repeat Order Allowed?
Repeat Order may be resorted to by a

Procuring Entity if the following conditions Tips: Let’s make things are
satisfied:
easier
1. The original contract must have been Especially if the procuring entity
procured through competitive anticipates that it would have to procure bidding.
through Repeat Order, it would be helpful
2. Contract prices of the repeat order for the BAC Secretariat or the must be
the same as or lower than those in procurement unit to maintain a price the
original contract, provided that such monitor of goods and services procured. prices
are still the most advantageous to the
government after price verification;
3. The repeat order

will not How’s that again? result in
splitting of
contracts, What is “splitting of contract”?
requisitions or
purchase orders,
Splitting of contracts is the act of dividing or breaking up
as provided for in
government contracts into smaller quantities and amounts. It
Section 54.1 also is the act of dividing contract implementation into artificial of the
IRR-A; phases or sub-contracts. Both actions are for the purpose of
evading or circumventing the requirements of law and the
4. Except in IRR-A of R.A. 9184, especially the necessity of public bidding and cases
duly the requirements for the alternative methods of procurement.
approved (IRR-A Section 54.1)
by the
GPPB, the If the procuring entity is found to have resorted to this repeat
order shall be mechanism to subvert the law, those responsible for this act shall
availed of suffer the penalty of imprisonment of not less than six (6) only
within six years and one (1) day, but not more than fifteen (15)
(6) months years. This penalty is without prejudice to the imposition of
from the date other sanctions provided for in RA 3019 and other penal laws. of the
NTP arising (IRR-A Section from the
65.1.4)
original contract;
and

Page 90 of 128
5. The repeat order should not exceed twenty-five percent (25%) of the quantity of each item
in the original contract, and must be part of the contingency provided for in the APP.
Who are involved in procurement through Repeat Order?
The following are involved in procuring through the Repeat Order method:
2. The BAC;
3. The TWG;
4. The BAC Secretariat;
5. The end-user unit or PMO; and
6. The supplier who won in the previous public bidding.
Methodology: How is procurement through Repeat Order done?
In order to procure through the Repeat order method, the following steps ought to be followed:
ultimately pursued, the BAC, through a resolution shall justify and recommend the change in
the mode of procurement to be approved by the Head of the Procuring Entity.
2. For information purposes, the BAC, through the BAC Secretariat shall post the notice
requesting for repeat order of additional units of goods previously procured in the following:
a. The PhilGEPS;
any; and
3. The PMO or end-user unit requests for the procurement of additional units of goods
previously procured. If the requirement is twenty-five percent (25%) or less than the
original quantity, it indicates/recommends the use of Repeat Order as a mode of
procurement.
4. The BAC, through the BAC Secretariat, conducts a canvass of the prevailing market price of
the goods to be procured and compares this with the price of the goods in the original
contract.
5. The BAC confirms the price with the supplier that won the previous public bidding.
6. If a pre-procurement conference is required or deemed necessary as previously discussed in

this Manual and in the IRR-A, the BAC holds the said conference. If such pre-procurement
conference is held, the following must be done:

Page 91 of 128
a. The TWG reviews the specifications;
b. The end-user unit or PMO confirms the additional requirement as to necessity and
corresponding quantity;
c. The participants confirm if the price and terms in the original contract is most
advantageous to the government; and
d. The BAC determines the existence of the conditions required for procurement
through Repeat Order.
7. The BAC recommends the conduct of a Repeat Order through a Resolution to be approved by
the Head of the Procuring Entity.
8. The BAC Secretariat amends the APP to include the recommendation to the Head of the
Procuring Entity on the use of Repeat Order as a method of procurement.
9. The Head of the Procuring Entity approves the recommendation and the amended APP.
10. The BAC, through the Secretariat, confirms the Repeat Order with the previous supplier, and
proceeds with the preparation of the Supplemental Contract or Purchase Order, using the
Technical Specifications in the Bidding Documents used in the previous Bidding.
11. The BAC proceeds with contract signing, and contract implementation.
12. The BAC, through the Secretariat, posts for information purposes the award in:
a. The PhilGEPS;
any; and
Should a Procuring Entity require a performance security under this procurement

method?
Yes. Performance security shall be posted.
Shopping
What is Shopping?
SHOPPING is a method of procurement of goods whereby the Procuring Entity simply requests for
the submission of price quotations for readily available off-the-shelf Goods or ordinary/regular
equipment to be procured directly from suppliers of known qualifications. (IRR-A Section 52)
Inherent in this definition are the following requisites:
1. The goods to be procured are readily available off-the-shelf items or ordinary/regular

equipment; and

Page 92 of 128
2. The suppliers from whom the goods are procured are of “known qualifications.”
With respect to the procurement of ordinary/regular supplies/equipment not available in the PS-
DBM, the suppliers from whom goods are procured should be in good standing, and have not
committed any breach of contract (e.g., short deliveries, unreasonable delays in delivery of goods,
delivery of defective goods, or similar acts) in previous transactions with the Procuring Entity or
other government entity. It is the responsibility of the Procuring Entity, through the procurement
office, to monitor contract implementation as well as constantly coordinate with the GPPB-TSO for
updates on blacklisted suppliers.
The term “ordinary or regular office supplies” should be understood to include those supplies,
commodities or materials which, depending on the procuring entity’s mandate and nature of
operations, are necessary in the transaction of its official businesses; and consumed in the day-to-
day operations of said procuring entity. However, office supplies shall not include services such as
repair and maintenance of equipment and furniture, as well as trucking, hauling, janitorial, security,
and related or analogous services.
When is Shopping allowed?
Shopping shall be employed only in any of the following cases:
1. When there is an unforeseen contingency requiring the immediate purchase of goods.

However, the amount must not exceed Fifty Thousand Pesos (Php50,000.00) per
transaction, and the aggregate amount of such purchases must not exceed the maximum
allowed by the GAA.
2. When ordinary or regular office supplies and equipment not available in the PS-DBM needs
to be procured, the price of such purchase not exceeding Two Hundred Fifty Thousand Pesos
(Php250,000.00). However, it must be ensured that the procurement does not result in
splitting of contracts, as provided in Section 54.1 of the IRR-A. At least three (3) price
quotations from bona fide suppliers must likewise be obtained. (IRR-A Section 52 [b])
The contract ceiling for procurement through Shopping is subject to periodic review by the GPPB,
and may be increased or decreased to reflect changes in economic conditions or for other justifiable
reasons. (IRR-A Section 52)
Who are involved in the conduct of procurement through Shopping?
The following are involved in the conduct of procurement through the Shopping method:
2. The BAC;
3. The BAC Secretariat/ Procurement Unit;
4. The end-user; and
5. The supplier(s).

Page 93 of 128
Tips: Let’s make doing things easier
On planning properly for contingency purchases
Section 7.1 of the IRR-A requires all procurement to be in accordance with the APP, and all
procuring entities are not allowed to procure anything unless it is included in the APP. The
requirement extends to those immediate purchases of readily available off-the-shelf goods
and to contingencies. These purchases include those charged against cash advances, or
the so-called “over-the-counter” purchases. Procuring entities are not allowed to procure
anything unless it is included in the APP.
Contingencies must therefore be provided for in the APP based on historical data. (IRR-A
Section 7.3) This can be done by allocating for such purchases a percentage of the total
procurement budget as reflected in the procuring entity’s APP. However, it would be
advisable for this allocation not to be more than four percent (4%) of the total
appropriations for Maintenance and Other Operating Expenses (MOOE) as provided for in
the GAA.
To enable it to plan its purchases more efficiently, and consequently approximate realistic
levels for the amount that it would need for its contingency purchases or its small
purchases of ordinary/regular office supplies/equipment, the procuring entity must conduct
a regular study of its “Over-the-Counter Purchases”. Based on this study, the procuring
entity would be able to identify recurring expenses that could more reasonably be included
in the APP, and thus determine a more realistic allocation for contingencies.
Methodology: How is procurement through the Shopping method done?
The following steps need to be followed in procuring through the Shopping method:
1. The method of procurement to be used must always be as indicated in the approved APP. In
other words, there has to be an allocation for items or contingencies wherein procurement
through Shopping has been identified. Otherwise, the APP would have to be amended or
updated in accordance with Section 7 of the IRR-A. If the original mode of procurement
recommended in the APP was Public Bidding but cannot be ultimately pursued, the BAC,
through a resolution shall justify and recommend the change in the mode of procurement to
be approved by the Head of the Procuring
Entity.
2. For information purposes, the BAC, through the BAC Secretariat shall post the notice of
procurement through shopping in the following:
a. The PhilGEPS;
any; and
3. The end-user unit or PMO submits a RIS to the procurement unit indicating therein the
urgency of the requirement. In case an immediate purchase is needed, brought about by an
unforeseen contingency, the same may be undertaken directly with a supplier and charged
against cash advances.
4. The BAC, through the Secretariat, posts for information purposes the procurement
opportunity, for a period of seven (7) calendar days, in:

Page 94 of 128
a. The PhilGEPS;
Tips: Let’s make doing things
b. The website of easier
the
Procuring Entity and its On approving authorities for
electronic purchases through the Shopping
procurement service
method
provider, if any; and
Considering the small value of procurement

c. Any conspicuous place in through Shopping, the Head of the Procuring the
premises of Entity is encouraged to delegate the function
the of approving such requests to lower level
Procuring Entity. officials, provided the aggregate amount of
such procurement transactions still falls
If the procurement is due to an within the amount allowed for contingencies
unforeseen contingency, in the APP. If the aggregate amount of these
the period for posting may be transactions exceed the amount provided for
waived, so that the procurement in the APP, it could indicate either of two
activity may be posted by the BAC things:
Secretariat after the same has been
conducted for information purposes 1. the APP does not reflect a realistic only.
(IRR-A Section 54.2 [h]) percentage of contingent procurements,
Otherwise, the need for an requiring a more thorough study of past
immediate purchase brought about procurement data; or
by an unforeseen
contingency may be negated. 2. there is a tendency to purchase
indiscriminately, possibly to avoid
5. The BAC, through competitive bidding.
the BAC
Secretariat, issues Requests for In either case, the Head of the Procuring
Quotation to at least three (3) Entity should step in and ensure that proper
suppliers in good standing. (Note: measures are carried out to correct the this
may not apply in the case of situation.
unforeseen contingencies)
Another alternative would be for the BAC to
6. The suppliers submit the Price include in the APP a general recommendation
Quotations (please refer to for Shopping as an alternative method to be
attached Standard Forms). (Note: employed in case of an occurrence of a this
may not apply in the case of contingency, so that the approval of the APP
unforeseen contingencies) by the Head of the Procuring Entity would
necessarily cover an approval of such
7. For shopping under Section 52(b) of recommendation; provided, of course, that the
IRR-A, award shall be made by the the limits indicated for contingencies are not BAC to
the supplier with the lowest price exceeded.
quotation. For shopping under Section 52(a) of the IRR-A, award shall be made to the
supplier with the lowest price quotation by the appropriate authority duly designated by the
Head of the Procuring Entity.
Are performance securities still required for procurements through the Shopping
method?
In cases when shopping is employed in case of an unforeseen contingency where the compliance
of the supplier’s obligation to deliver or perform is immediate such that there is no more delivery
or performance to be guaranteed, suppliers may be exempted from posting a performance security
provided that the goods procured are delivered upon purchase. However, for purchases of
ordinary or regular office supplies or equipment not available in the PS-DBM, the Procuring Entity
should require the posting of performance securities.

Page 95 of 128
Negotiated Procurement
What is Negotiated Procurement?
NEGOTIATED PROCUREMENT is a method of procurement of Goods whereby the Procuring

Entity directly negotiates a contract with a technically, legally and financially capable supplier.
(IRR-A Section 53)
The latter portion of the above definition indicates the advisability for the existence of a registry of
suppliers maintained and updated by the Procuring Entity. Moreover, particularly in the cases of
emergency procurement, the suppliers from whom goods are procured should be in good
standing, and have not committed any breach of contract (e.g., short deliveries, unreasonable
delays in delivery of goods, delivery of defective goods, or similar acts) in previous transactions with
the Procuring Entity or other government entity. It is the responsibility of the Procuring Entity,
through the procurement office, to monitor contract implementation as well as constantly coordinate
with the GPPB-TSO for updates on blacklisted suppliers.
When is Negotiated Procurement allowed for the procurement of goods?
For the procurement of goods, negotiated procurement is employed only in any of the following
cases:
1. Where there has been failure of public bidding for the second time provided in Section 35 of
R.A. 9184;
2. In case of imminent danger to life or property during a state of calamity, or when time is of
the essence arising from actual or man-made calamities or other causes where immediate
action is necessary to prevent damage to or loss of life or property, or to restore vital public
services, infrastructure facilities and other public utilities;
3. If the Procuring Entity is purchasing goods from another agency of the government, such as
the PS-DBM; or if it lacks the proficiency or capability to undertake a particular procurement,
as determined by the Head of the Procuring Entity, and requests another government agency
to undertake such procurement activity or hires consultants or procuring agents to assist it
directly and/or train its staff in the management of the procurement function;
4. Upon prior approval by the President of the Philippines, when the procurement involved
major defense equipment for use by the AFP and the Secretary of National Defense has
determined that the interests of the country shall be protected by negotiating directly with
an agency or instrumentality of another country with which the Philippines has entered into a
defense cooperation agreement or otherwise maintains diplomatic relations. It should be
noted that the negotiation should be with a public agency or instrumentality of a foreign
country, not directly with any foreign supplier or manufacturer. As such, for this type of
procurement, it is necessary for the contract to be covered by a foreign government
guarantee equivalent to 100% of the contract price; or
5. Where the procurement does not fall under Shopping in Section 52(a) of the IRR-A and
amounts to Fifty Thousand Pesos (P50,000.00) and below, provided that the procurement
does not result in splitting of contracts.
Who are the parties involved in Negotiated Procurement?

Page 96 of 128
The following are involved in purchasing goods through negotiated procurement:
2. The BAC;
3. The TWG;
4. The BAC Secretariat;
5. The end-user unit or PMO; and
6. The accredited or registered suppliers.
Methodology: How is Negotiated Procurement undertaken?
The following steps are undertaken in purchasing goods through the negotiated procurement
method:
ultimately pursued, the BAC, through a resolution shall justify and recommend the change in
the mode of procurement to be approved by the Head of the Procuring Entity.
2. The BAC convenes the appropriate officials for the pre-procurement conference, if deemed
necessary.
3. The BAC, through the Secretariat, posts for information purposes the procurement
opportunity, for a period of seven (7) calendar days, in:
a. The PhilGEPS;
any; and
For negotiated procurements in cases of imminent danger to life and property, the Procuring
Entity may waive the period for posting. However, the award will be posted in the
aforementioned sites. (IRR-A Section 54.2 [d])
4. If the procurement is being negotiated because of two previous failures of bidding or in case
of imminent danger to life or property, the BAC, through the BAC Secretariat, issues
invitations to at least three (3) suppliers of good standing for the latter to negotiate a
contract. The Procuring Entity may draw these suppliers from its list of registered suppliers.
The procedures for the conduct of public bidding should be observed. However, the
minimum period for each bidding procedure may be reduced.
5. The suppliers submit their proposals in a sealed envelope duly marked.
6. The BAC, with the assistance of the TWG, evaluates the price tenders of the bidders. The
BAC shall issue a resolution recommending to the Head of the Procuring Entity of the award
of the contract to the lowest calculated and responsive bidder for approval.

Page 97 of 128
7. The BAC Secretariat / Procurement Unit prepares the contract, Purchase Order or Job Order
for approval of the appropriate authorities, and serves the same to the winning bidder.
Are bid and performance securities required for purchases made through
Negotiated Procurement?
Yes, both securities are required.

SECTION 5
Guidelines on Contract
Implementation for the
Procurement of Goods and
Services
Page 99 of 128

Contract Implementation for the Procurement of Goods and
Services
Legal Reference
IRR-A Section 42 and Annex “E” provide the rules on contract implementation and
termination.
What is covered by Contract Implementation?
Contract implementation covers the following milestones:
1. Effectivity of the contract;
2. Contractor’s performance of its

TIP: Let’s make things easier
contractual obligations;
The PMO or end-user unit should determine
the period of contract implementation during
3. Procuring Entity’s performance of
the procurement planning stage, and include it
its contractual obligations, as
in the PPMP. In determining the contract
specified in the contract;
implementation period, it must ensure that the
supplier is given ample time to undertake any
4. Final acceptance or project
preparatory activity/ies necessary for it to
sign-off; comply with the conditions of the contract.
5. All other related activities; and
6. Payment by the Procuring Entity.
When shall a contract be deemed effective?
A contract becomes effective either on the date of the receipt by the winning bidder of the
NTP or, if an effectivity date is provided in the NTP, then on such date, but in no case later
than seven (7) calendar days from its issuance. All notices called for by the terms of the
contract shall be effective only from either of these effectivity dates. These provisions must be
stated clearly in the contract itself. (IRR-A Section 37.5)
TIP: Let’s make things easier
The PMO or end-user unit must ensure that the

Chief Accountant of the procuring entity issues
a CAF for the project. Only with a CAF can the
contract be valid.
The Chief Accountant must also sign the contract as a

witness.
Page 101 of 128
Warranty
Legal Reference
IRR-A Section 62.1.
What is the purpose of a Warranty?
A Warranty is required in the procurement of goods to ensure that the supplier, manufacturer or
distributor, as the case may be, will correct any manufacturing defect.
What is the Warranty requirement for Goods?
For the procurement of goods, a warranty shall be required from the contract awardee for a
minimum period of three (3) months, in the case of supplies, and one (1) year, in the case of
equipment, after the acceptance by the Procuring Entity of the goods and/or equipment.
The obligation for the warranty shall be covered by either retention money in an amount equivalent
to at least ten percent (10%) of every progress payment, or a special bank guarantee equivalent to
at least ten percent (10%) of the total contract price. The special bank guarantee must be contract
specific, that is, it shall be executed for the special purpose of covering the warranty for the subject
procurement contract. If the warranty period is longer than the minimum period of three (3) months
for supplies and one (1) year for equipment, the period beyond the minimum period need not be
covered by retention money or special bank guarantee. After the lapse of the minimum period, the
Procuring Entity must release the retention money or special bank guarantee.
The warranty shall only be released after the lapse of the warranty period, provided that the goods
supplied are free from patent and latent defects and all the conditions imposed under the contract
have been fully met.
When shall Goods be considered defective?
Goods are considered defective when they are “unfit for the use for which it is intended,” or “its
fitness for such use is diminished to such an extent that, had the vendee been aware thereof, he
would not have acquired it or would have given a lower price for it….” (Civil Code of the
Philippines Article 1561). A defect can either be:
1. A patent defect, which is one that is apparent to the buyer on normal observation. It is an
apparent or obvious defect. For example, a ballpen that does not write is patently defective.
2. A latent defect, which is one that is not apparent to the buyer by reasonable observation. A
latent defect is “hidden” or one that is not immediately determinable. For example, a
ballpen that writes .75 kilometers instead of the expected 1.5 kilometers, has a latent
defect.
Both latent and patent defects are covered by the warranty expressly required in R.A. 9184 and its
IRR-A. This means that the Procuring Entity may proceed against the warranty whenever any of
these defects are determined to be present in the goods procured, and the same are determined
within the period covered by the warranty. However, wear and tear due to normal usage of the
goods is excluded from the coverage of the warranty.

Page 102 of 128
The Procuring Entity should promptly notify the supplier in writing of any claims arising under the
warranty. Upon receipt of such notice, the supplier should, within the period specified in the contract
and with all reasonable speed, repair or replace the defective goods or parts thereof, without costs to
the Procuring Entity. If the supplier, having been notified, fails to remedy the defects within the
period specified in the contract, the Procuring Entity may then proceed to call upon the warranty
security, without prejudice to any other rights which it may have against the supplier under the
contract and under the applicable law.
Are there instances where partial release or reduction of the required warranty
may be done by the Procuring Entity?
Yes, a partial release or reduction of the warranty may be allowed in the case of partial deliveries.
In this case, the warranty periods will vary among the various lots. The warranty for goods
delivered ahead will lapse earlier than the succeeding deliveries. The retention money or a portion
of the special bank guarantee covering the warranty for goods received or delivered ahead may thus
be released. The effect is that there will be partial releases of the retention money or special bank
guarantee to coincide with the lapse of the warranty period for each delivered lot.
However, the warranty must be in the form of retention fee equivalent to ten percent (10%) of every
progress payment. For example, in the case of a procurement transaction allowing partial deliveries
and progress payment for each delivery, the amount of the warranty for the first partial delivery may
be released after the lapse of the warranty period for such first delivery. The remaining goods that
are still under warranty will be covered by a warranty fee equivalent to ten percent (10%) of each
progress payment.

Page 103 of 128
Amendment to Order
What is an Amendment to Order?
An Amendment to Order refers to any necessary adjustment within the general scope of the
contract in any one or more of the following aspects in order to fully meet the requirements
of the project:
1. Drawings, design or specifications of the goods, provided that:
a. The goods to be furnished are to be specifically manufactured for the

government in accordance therewith;
b. The change is an improvement of the goods and advantageous to the

government;
c. It is done at no extra cost; and
d. It is not prejudicial to the losing Bidders in the sense that such change/s
could not have been foreseen during the conduct of the bidding and would
have significantly affected the other bidders’ bids;
2. The method of shipment or packing;
3. The place of delivery;
4. The place of performance of the services;
5. Additional items needed and necessary for the protection of the goods procured,
which were not included in the original contract; or
6. Any other change affecting the specifications or scope of work of the goods and/or
services to be procured.
Such amendment may or may not result to an increase or a decrease of the contract price,
and/or an extension or reduction of the delivery period. However, the amendment should
not have the result of changing the subject matter of the contract or the specifications of the
goods or services, in any material aspect and to such an extent that, if introduced during the
bidding stage, may have had a significant effect on other bidders’ bids, because this situation
would actually require another bidding activity, except if the original procurement was done
through an alternative method that did not involve a bidding.
When can the Procuring Entity issue an Amendment to Order?
Amendments to Order may be issued by the Procuring Entity at any time during contract
implementation, provided that such adjustment is required to fully meet the requirements of
the project. Any of the following circumstances may serve as basis for such amendment/s:
1. Emergency cases, fortuitous events or unforeseen contingencies arising during

project/contract implementation, and such contingencies have an impact on the
procurement at hand, such as:

Page 104 of 128
a. Changes in the conditions affecting the project, e.g., a change in the place of
delivery;
b. Time is of the essence in the implementation of the project, and any changes require
immediate implementation; and
c. Additional requirements have been identified as necessary for the protection of the
goods procured, such as changes in the packaging of the goods, or additional items
have become necessary to ensure that the goods are sufficiently protected from the
elements;
2. When the contract does not reflect the real intention of the parties due to mistake or
accident, and the amendment is necessary to reflect the parties’ intention; and
3. Other analogous circumstances that could affect the conditions of the procurement at hand.
Are corresponding adjustments in contract price and/or delivery schedules

allowed?
Yes. If an amendment to order increases or decreases the cost of, or the time required for executing
any part of the work under the original contract, an equitable adjustment in contract price and/or
delivery schedule should be mutually agreed upon between the parties concerned, and the contract
should be modified in writing. It is required, however, that any increase in contract price must not
exceed ten percent (10%) of the original contract price. Otherwise, the procurement should be
subject to another bidding, unless the original procurement was done using any of the alternative
methods that did not involve bidding.
Moreover, in the adjustment of the price, the supplier and the Procuring Entity must ensure that the
principle of “no loss, no gain” is applied, such that neither party gains or loses anything from the
resulting price adjustment.
What rules shall govern price adjustments due to Amendment to Order?
If the amendment to order consists of additional items, the price adjustment shall be based on the
unit prices in the original contract for items of goods similar to those in the original contract. If the
contract does not contain any rate applicable to the additional items, then suitable prices shall be
mutually agreed upon between the parties, based on prevailing market prices.
Any request for payment by the supplier for additional items must be accompanied by a statement
with the approved supporting forms, giving a detailed accounting and record of the amount for which
it claims payment.
If the amendment to order consists of a change in drawings, design or specifications of the goods,
method of shipment or packing, or place of delivery, the price adjustment shall be equivalent to the
corresponding value of the change, based on prevailing market prices.
Who are involved in the issuance of an Amendment to Order?
The following parties are involved in the issuance of an Amendment to Order:

Page 105 of 128
2. The supplier/manufacturer/distributor;
3. The procurement Unit/office; and
4. The Head of the Procuring Entity or his duly authorized representative.
Methodology: How is an Amendment to Order issued?
The following steps are undertaken in the issuance of an Amendment to Order:
1. The PMO or end-user unit determines the existence of condition/s that require an
amendment to order.
2. The PMO or end-user unit discusses with the supplier/manufacturer/distributor regarding the
adjustments in contract price and/or delivery schedule, if necessary.
3. The PMO or end-user unit drafts the contract amendment containing the agreements reached
with the supplier/manufacturer/distributor.
4. The PMO or end-user unit secures a CAF for the procurement, to be attached to the contract
amendment when this is submitted to the Head of the Procuring Entity for approval.
5. The contract amendment is submitted to the Head of the Procuring Entity or his duly
authorized representative, for approval, with the approval process following the same
timelines prescribed by the IRR-A and this Manual for contract approval.
6. Upon approval by the Head of the Procuring Entity or his duly authorized representative, the
PMO or end-user unit notifies the supplier/manufacturer/ distributor to proceed with the
work/delivery of items in accordance with the amendment. It shall also notify the
procurement unit/office of such approval, and furnish the latter with a copy of the amended
contract.
7. The procurement unit/office posts the Amendment to Order in the PhilGEPS, the website of
the Procuring Entity, and the latter’s electronic procurement service provider, if any.
8. The supplier/manufacturer/distributor proceeds with the work/delivery of items in

accordance with the amended contract.
Can a supplier proceed with the work under an Amendment to Order even if such
Amendment to Order has not yet been approved?
Under no circumstance shall a supplier proceed to commence work under any Amendment to Order
unless the same has been approved by the Head of the Procuring Entity concerned or his duly
authorized representative.
As an exception to the rule, the Regional Director/Head concerned may authorize the immediate
start of work under any Amendment to Order in the event of emergencies to avoid detriment to
public service, or damage to life and/or property, or when time is of the essence. His authorization,
however, is valid only up to the point where the cumulative increase in the contract cost which has
not yet been fully approved by the Head of the Procuring Entity or his duly authorized representative
does not exceed five percent (5%) of the original contract cost. Moreover, the corresponding

Page 106 of 128
Amendment to Order must immediately be prepared and submitted for approval to the Head of the
Procuring Entity or his duly authorized representative. For an Amendment to Order involving a
cumulative amount exceeding five percent (5%) of the original contract price, no work thereon shall
be commenced unless the same has been approved by the Head of the Procuring Entity concerned or
his duly authorized representative. However, the said cumulative amount should not exceed ten
percent (10%) of the original contract price. (IRR-A Annex “D”)
Payment for any work or delivery done in accordance with an Amendment to Order shall not be
made unless the approval of the Head of the Procuring Entity or his duly authorized representative
has been secured.

Page 107 of 128
Suspension of Delivery
Legal Reference
IRR-A Annex “D.”
What are the grounds for suspension of delivery

or contract implementation?
The Procuring Entity may suspend the delivery or contract implementation, wholly or partly,
by written order for a certain period of time, as it deems necessary due to force majeure or
any fortuitous event as defined in the contract.
Are corresponding adjustments in contract price and/or delivery schedule

allowed?
Yes, appropriate adjustments shall be made in the delivery or contract schedule, or contract
price, or both, and the contract shall be modified accordingly. (IRR-A Annex “D”)
When warranted, price adjustments may be made in accordance with the guidelines
previously discussed in the immediately preceding section on “Amendment to Order.”
Tip: Let’s make doing things

When shall the Supplier/ easier
Manufacturer/ Distributor
resume delivery On the resumption of suspended
and/or contract contracts
implementation?
The procuring entity must either lift the
Work must be resumed or delivery suspension order or terminate the contract
made either upon the lifting or the before the expiration of the suspension period.
expiration of the suspension order. If the period of the order is allowed to expire,
However, if the Procuring Entity the supplier/manufacturer/ distributor shall
terminates the contract covered by automatically have the right to resume work,
such order, resumption of work cannot which may not be the intention of the PMO at
be done. that time.
Who are the parties involved in the issuance of a Suspension Order?
The following parties are involved in the issuance of a Suspension Order:
2. The supplier/manufacturer/distributor; and
3. The Head of the Procuring Entity or his duly authorized representative.

Page 108 of 128
Methodology: How is a Suspension Order issued?
The following steps are necessary for the issuance of a suspension order:
1. The PMO or end-user unit determines the existence of a force majeure or fortuitous
event that will be the basis for the issuance of a suspension order.
2. Based upon the findings and recommendation of the PMO or end-user, the Head of
the Procuring Entity issues a written order suspending the order or work, wholly or
partly, for a certain period of time.
3. The supplier/manufacturer/distributor shall take all reasonable steps to minimize the

costs allocable to the order or work covered by the order during the suspension.
4. The PMO or end-user unit discusses with the supplier/manufacturer/distributor any

need for adjustments in the delivery or contract schedule and/or contract price,
including any need to modify contract.
5. The PMO or end-user unit drafts the contract amendment containing the agreements
reached with the supplier/manufacturer/distributor.
6. The contract amendment is submitted to the Head of the Procuring Entity or his duly
authorized representative, for approval.
7. Prior to the expiration of the suspension order, the PMO or end-user unit determines
whether or not the grounds for suspension are still existent. If such grounds
continue to exist, or if it is no longer practicable to complete the delivery or continue
with the work, it shall cancel the delivery of the items subject of the suspension
order, or terminate the work subject of the order, by written notice. If, however, the
grounds for suspension no longer exist, and completion of delivery or continuation of
the work may already be done, the PMO, with the approval of the Head of the
Procuring Entity or his duly authorized representative, shall lift the suspension order
by written notice, thereby instructing the supplier/manufacturer/distributor to
proceed with the delivery or work in accordance with the amended contract.
Delays in Delivery and Liquidated Damages
Legal Reference
IRR-A Section 68, Annex “D,” and the Civil Code of the Philippines Art. 2226.
What is the rule on the applicable period for the delivery of goods or
performance of services?

Page 109 of 128
The supplier/manufacturer/distributor must deliver the goods or perform the services

procured within the period prescribed by the Procuring Entity, as specified in the Contract.
If delays are likely to be incurred, the supplier/manufacturer/distributor must notify the

Procuring Entity in writing. It must state therein the cause/s and duration of the expected
delay. The Procuring Entity may grant time extensions, at its discretion, if based on
meritorious grounds, with or without liquidated damages.
In all cases, the request for extension should be submitted before the lapse of the original
delivery date. The maximum allowable extension shall not be longer than the initial delivery
period as stated in the original contract.
What are Liquidated Damages?
Liquidated damages are damages agreed upon by the parties to a contract, to be paid in
case of breach thereof. (Civil Code of the Philippines Art. 2226)
What are the grounds for the imposition of Liquidated Damages?
When the supplier fails to satisfactorily deliver the goods or services under the contract
within the specified delivery schedule or project implementation schedule, inclusive of duly
granted time extensions, if any, the supplier shall be liable for damages for the delay and
shall pay the Procuring Entity liquidated damages, not by way of penalty, for every day of
delay until such goods or services are finally delivered or performed and accepted by the
Procuring Entity concerned. The Procuring Entity need not prove that it has incurred actual
damages to be entitled to liquidated damages.
What is the amount of Liquidated Damages that may be imposed upon the
supplier?
The supplier must pay the Procuring Entity liquidated damages, not by way of penalty, an
amount equal to one-tenth (1/10) of one percent (1%) of the cost of the delayed goods or
services scheduled for delivery or performance for every day of delay. The liquidated
damages will be imposed until such goods or services are finally delivered or performed and
accepted by the Procuring Entity concerned.
In no case shall the sum of liquidated damages reach ten percent (10%) of the contract
amount. If it does, the contract shall automatically be rescinded by the Procuring Entity,
without prejudice to other courses of action and remedies open to it. The Procuring Entity
may also take over the contract or award the same to a qualified supplier through
negotiation.
In addition to the liquidated damages, the erring supplier’s performance security shall also
be forfeited.
Methodology: How are Liquidated Damages imposed?
The following steps need to be followed in the imposition of liquidated damages:

Page 110 of 128
1.
1.
1.
1.
1.
The supplier/manufacturer/distributor submits a written request to the PMO or end-user unit
for an extension of the delivery or performance period, citing the reason/s for such
delay.
2. The PMO or end-user unit either approves or disapproves the request for extension.
3. If the extension is granted, the liquidated damages may or may not be imposed and
the supplier/manufacturer/distributor is informed of this in writing. The
supplier/manufacturer/distributor is then asked to extend the validity of the
performance bond, to conform to the extended period.
4. If, however, the request for extension is denied, the PMO or end-user unit informs in
writing the supplier/manufacturer/distributor of such denial, and ensures that the
said notice or communication is received by the latter within a reasonable time from
receipt of the request for extension. In this case, the Procuring Entity imposes the
liquidated damages in accordance with the provisions of the contract and the
procedures outlined below.
5. If the supplier/manufacturer/distributor incurs delay and it does not request for an

extension
a. The PMO or end-user unit informs, within a reasonable time from the first
day of delay, the supplier/manufacturer/distributor that the Procuring Entity
shall impose the liquidated damages agreed upon by the parties.
b. Upon delivery, the PMO or end-user unit and the Technical Inspection and
Acceptance Committee records the delay in the inspection documents, noting
therein the amount of the liquidated damages imposable on the supplier.
c. Upon payment, the amount of liquidated damages due is deducted from the
total amount payable to the supplier, and the same shall be reflected in the
DVs. Or, if the contract provides that the liquidated damages is to be
collected from securities or warranties posted by the supplier, the PMO or
end-user unit informs the official authorized to call on the securities or
warranties about the delay and the corresponding liquidated damages
imposable.
Other Rules and Guidelines
Legal Reference
IRR-A Section 42.1 and Annex “D”, IRR-A.
Incidental Services
What are Incidental Services?
Incidental Services are those services ancillary to the supply of the goods, such as
transportation and insurance, installation, commissioning, provision of technical assistance,

Page 111 of 128
training, and other such obligations of the supplier specified in the Contract and the bidding
documents. In particular, these services may refer to any of the following:
1. Performance or supervision of on-

site assembly and/or
start-up of the supplied goods;
easier
2. Furnishing of tools required for On incidental services being in the

assembly and/or maintenance of contract
the supplied goods;
The Incidental Services must be clearly
3. Furnishing of a specified in the contract, and identified as
detailed operations and separate components from the goods to be
maintenance manual for each supplied or services to be rendered, so that
appropriate unit of the supplied prices indicated on the price schedule shall be
goods; entered separately, in accordance with the
ITB. The cost thereof should also be indicated
4. Performance or supervision or in the contract.
maintenance and/or repair of the
supplied goods, for a period of time agreed by the parties, provided that this service
shall not relieve the supplier of any warranty obligations under the Contract;
5. Training of the Procuring Entity’s personnel, at the supplier’s plant and/or on-site,
on assembly, start-up, operation, maintenance, and/or repair of the supplied goods;
and
6. Any other related services necessary for completion of the project and indicated in
the contract.
Spare Parts
What are Spare Parts?
Spare parts refer to extra components, equipment, tools, instruments or parts of machinery
or apparatus that replace the ones that are damaged or worn out.
What information is required from the

Supplier with regard to spare parts of
easier goods?
On spare parts The supplier may be required to provide

any or all of the following materials,
notifications, and information pertaining to
The procuring entity may include the delivery
spare parts manufactured or distributed
of a limited supply of fast-moving and/or
by the Supplier:
hard-to-find spare parts in the technical
specifications when procuring heavy
equipment or machinery. This is to ensure
the continued use or operation of the
equipment.
1. Such spare parts as the

Procuring Entity may elect to purchase from the supplier, provided that this election shall
not relieve the supplier of any warranty obligations under the contract;

Page 112 of 128
2.
2.
2.
2.
Such spare parts that the Procuring Entity may be able to purchase from other
suppliers/manufacturers but are compatible with the goods procured; and
3. In the event of termination of production of the spare parts:
a. Advance notification to the Procuring Entity of the pending termination, in

sufficient time to permit the Procuring Entity to procure needed
requirements; and
b. Following such termination, furnishing at no cost to the Procuring Entity the

blueprints, drawings, and specifications of the spare parts, if requested.
The supplier may likewise be required to issue a Certification that spare parts, particularly
those that are product-specific, shall continue to be manufactured by them within a period of
time, e.g., five (5) years, after the bidding date.
The above information shall be included in the Technical Bid.
Purchaser’s Responsibilities
What are the Procuring Entity’s responsibilities to the supplier/manufacturer/

distributor if the latter requires coordination with other government entities for it
to be able to perform its contractual obligations?
Whenever the supply of goods and related services requires that the
supplier/manufacturer/distributor obtain permits, approvals, and import and other licenses
from local public authorities, the Procuring Entity may, upon request by the
supplier/manufacturer/distributor, assist the latter in complying with such requirements in a
timely and expeditious manner. However, the supplier/manufacturer/distributor shall bear
the costs of such permits and/or licenses. On the other hand, the Procuring Entity shall pay
all costs involved in the performance of its responsibilities, in accordance with the contract.
Prices
How much should the contract price be?
The contract price must not vary from the price quoted by the supplier in its bid. This is
based on the rule that the contract, as awarded, should not differ in any material aspect
from the terms stipulated in the bidding documents, considering that these terms were the
basis for the comparison of bids. Otherwise, the purpose bidding process would have been
defeated.

Page 113 of 128
In what denomination shall the contract price be stated?
For goods and services that will be supplied from within the Philippines, the price in the
contract shall be denominated and payable in Philippine currency, and this shall be stated in
the bidding documents.
For goods and services that will be supplied from outside the Philippines, such as in the case
of goods with a high import content, i.e. more than fifty percent (50%) of the contract cost,
the Procuring Entity may disaggregate the cost components into foreign and local costs, and
may denominate and pay contract prices in foreign and Philippine currencies, as stipulated in
the bidding documents. For this purpose, the ITB may provide that the prices for goods and
services supplied from outside the Philippines may be quoted either in Philippine Pesos or
United States Dollars, at the discretion of the bidder.
Unless otherwise provided, payment of the contract price shall be made in Philippine Pesos.
In instances where the Procuring Entity is allowed to receive bids denominated in foreign
currency, the same shall be converted to Philippine currency based on the exchange rate
officially prescribed for similar transactions as established by the BSP on the date of the bid
opening. However, this conversion rate shall only be for purposes of bid evaluation. The
contract must state the foreign currency denominated amount and the peso equivalent on
the date of bid opening.
Are contract prices fixed?
Price escalation is generally not allowed. 16 For the given scope of work in the contract as
awarded, the price must be considered as a fixed price, except under extraordinary
circumstances as determined by the NEDA in accordance with the Civil Code of the
Philippines, upon recommendation of the Procuring Entity concerned, and upon prior
approval of the GPPB. Any request for price escalation under extraordinary circumstances
should be submitted by the concerned entity to the NEDA with the endorsement of the
Procuring Entity. The burden of proving the occurrence of extraordinary circumstances that
will allow for price escalation shall rest with the entity requesting for such escalation. NEDA
shall only respond to such request after receiving the proof and the necessary
documentation.
“Extraordinary circumstances” shall refer to events defined in the Civil Code of the
Philippines, consistent with the guidelines issued by the GPPB. In particular, the Guidelines
for Contract Price Escalation approved by the GPPB in Resolution No. 07-2004, dated July 22,
2004, provides that the term “extraordinary circumstances” shall refer to the following
Articles of the Civil Code of the Philippines:
1. Article 1174, as it pertains to Ordinary Fortuitous Events or those events which could
be reasonably foreseen but are inevitable, such as, but not limited to the following:
(a) typhoons; (b) thunderstorms; (c) flooding of lowly areas; and (d) vehicular
accidents; provided that the following are present:
a. The cause of the extraordinary circumstances must be independent of the will

of the parties;
16 For FAPs, the bidding documents would have to state whether the bid prices will be fixed or whether price
adjustments would be made to reflect any changes (upwards or downwards) in major cost components of the contract,
such as labor, equipment, materials, and fuel. Price adjustment provisions are usually not necessary in simple contracts
involving completion of works generally within twelve (12) months in the case of JBIC, or eighteen (18) months in the
case of World Bank-funded projects, but should be included in contracts which extend beyond eighteen (18) months.
Prices may be adjusted by the use of a prescribed formula (or formulae) which breaks down the total price into
components that are adjusted by price indices specified for each component or, alternatively, on the basis of
documentary evidence (including actual invoices) provided by the contractor. The use of the formula method of price
adjustment is preferable to that of documentary evidence. The method to be used, the formula (if applicable), and the
base date for application shall be clearly defined in the bidding documents. If the payment currency is different from the
source of the input and corresponding index, a correction factor shall be applied in the formula, to avoid incorrect
adjustment.

Page 114 of 128
b. The event must be either unforeseeable or unavoidable;

c. The event must be such as to render it difficult but not impossible for the
supplier to fulfill his obligation in a normal manner or within the
contemplation of the parties;
d. The supplier must be free from any participation in or aggravation of the
injury to the Procuring Entity; and
e. The allowance for price escalation, should an ordinary fortuitous event occur,
is stipulated by the parties or the nature of the obligation requires the
assumption of risk.
2. Article 1250, as it pertains to Extraordinary Inflation or Deflation, which may refer to

the decrease or increase of the purchasing power of the Philippine currency which is
unusual or beyond the common fluctuation in the value of said currency, in
accordance with the two (2) standard deviation rule computed in accordance with the
Guidelines for Contract Price Escalation, and such decrease or increase could not
have been reasonably foreseen or was manifestly beyond the contemplation of the
parties at the time of the establishment of the obligation.
3. Article 1680, as it enumerated Extraordinary Fortuitous Events or those events which

do not usually happen, such as, but not limited to the following: (a) fire; (b) war; (c)
pestilence; (d) unusual flood; (e) locusts; and (f) earthquake; provided that the
circumstances before, during and after the event shall be taken into consideration.
What is the procedure to be followed when requesting for approval of price

escalation?
In the review and approval of a request for price escalation, the Procuring Entity should
comply with the following conditions detailed in the Guidelines for Contract Price Escalation,
before the same can be acted upon:
1. Endorsement. The Head of the Procuring Entity concerned shall endorse the request
for price escalation to the NEDA, through its Director-General, accompanied by
several documentary requirements.
2. Two-Stage Review Process. The review process shall commence only after the NEDA
has acknowledged the completeness of the request. A request for price escalation
shall only be granted if it satisfies both the First Stage (Legal Parameters) and
Second Stage (Technical Parameters) reviews of the NEDA.
3. Amount of Price Escalation to be Granted . The amount of escalation to be granted in

the case of goods should only be the remaining amount over and above the
thresholds as computed under the Second Stage review process.
4. Period and Frequency of Requests for Price Escalation . Requests for price escalation
shall only be made for cost items already incurred by the supplier. No request for
price escalation shall be made for prospective application. Further, price escalation
shall only be granted to those items included in a specific request. Provided further,
that requests for price escalation shall be made not shorter than six (6) months
reckoned from the start of the contract implementation, and not shorter than six
(6)month period thereafter. For contracts wherein the duration is shorter than six
(6) months, the request for contract price escalation shall be made after the
completion of the contract.
5. Misrepresentation. Any misrepresentation made by the Procuring Entity or the

supplier in any stage of the processing of a particular request for price escalation
shall cause the automatic denial/disapproval of said claim.

Page 115 of 128
6. Recommendation/Approval. The NEDA shall, upon completion of its review pursuant

to the Guidelines for Contract Price Escalation, submit its recommendation to the
GPPB for appropriate action. The GPPB shall then approve/act upon the request for
price escalation during one of its meetings, to be attended by the Head of the
Procuring Entity concerned or his duly authorized representative/s.
Payment
What is the method of payment for contracts for the procurement of Goods?
The method and conditions of payment must be specified in the contract. However, the
following guidelines may be considered by the Procuring Entity in preparing the contract
provisions regarding payment:
1. As a general rule, no advance payment, or any payment made prior to the delivery
and acceptance of goods, shall be made to any supplier/manufacturer/distributor,
subject to the following exceptions:
a. When there is prior approval by the President; or
b. When the procurement is made from another government agency.
How’s that again? 2. Partial payment of the contract

price will only be allowed if the
contract provides/allows for
On payments upon termination of a
partial or staggered delivery of
contract
goods procured, and such partial
payment must correspond to the
Payment on a quantum meruit basis may be value of the goods
made in favor of the delivered and accepted;
supplier/manufacturer/distributor in case of
contract termination for any cause other than
engaging in corrupt, fraudulent, collusive or 3. Payment must only be made
coercive practices, in competing for or in after the appropriate inspection
executing the contract. and acceptance procedures, as
mandated by existing
“Quantum meruit” means “as much as he government rules and
deserves.” It is an equitable doctrine, based on regulations, have been complied
the concept that no one who benefits by the labor with by the
and materials of another should be unjustly Procuring Entity; and
enriched thereby; under these circumstances, the
law implies a promise to pay a reasonable 4. Payment must be made in
amount for the labor and materials furnished. accordance with prevailing
(Black’s Law Dictionary, Fifth Edition) accounting and auditing rules and
regulations.
When may an advance payment be made to a private

supplier/manufacturer/distributor?
In accordance with P.D. No. 1445, advance payment may be made only after prior approval
of the President, and it should not exceed fifteen percent (15%) of the contract amount,
unless otherwise directed by the President. Prior approval by the President is not necessary
in the following cases:

Page 116 of 128
a. In contracts entered into by the Procuring Entity for the following services where
requirement of down payment is a standard industry practice: (i) hotel and
restaurant services; (ii) use of conference/seminar and exhibit areas; and (iii) lease
of office space; and
b. For procurement of goods required to address contingencies arising from natural or

man-made calamities in areas where a “State of Calamity” has been declared by
appropriate authorities.
In the case of item (a) above, a single advance payment not exceeding fifty percent (50%)
of the contract amount is allowed. In the case of item (b) above, an advance payment not
exceeding fifteen percent (15%) of the contract amount is allowed, unless otherwise directed
by the President.
All progress payments should first be charged against the advance payment until the latter
has been fully exhausted, unless otherwise approved by the President. (Memorandum
Order No. 172, dated 19 May 2005)
When must payment be made?
Payments must be made promptly by the Procuring Entity, but in no case later than
fortyfive (45) days after the supplier’s request/s for payment shall be made in writing,
accompanied by an invoice describing, as appropriate, the goods delivered and/or services
performed, by documents submitted pursuant to the contract, and upon fulfillment of other
obligations stipulated in the contract, as well as upon inspection and acceptance of the goods
by the appropriate Technical and Inspection Committee. In addition, the Procuring Entity
shall ensure that all accounting and auditing requirements are met prior to payment.
In what currency must payment be made?
As a general rule, payment must be made in Philippine currency. 17
For goods and services that will be supplied from within the Philippines, the price in the
contract shall be denominated and payable in Philippine currency, and this shall be stated in
For goods and services that will be supplied from outside the Philippines, such as in the case
of goods with a high import content, i.e. more than fifty percent (50%) of the contract cost,
the Procuring Entity may disaggregate the cost components into foreign and local costs, and
may denominate and pay contract prices in foreign and Philippine currencies, as stipulated in
If a foreign currency denominated contract is payable in Philippine currency, the contract

may contain a provision allowing the BSP reference rate at the time of payment or on the
date of opening of the Letter of Credit to be used to convert the foreign currency
denominated amount to Philippine Pesos, but the same should in no case exceed the ABC.
This will be the basis for the payment in pesos. Furthermore, if the amount payable in
Philippine currency is greater than the Peso value of the contract price, such increase must
not be more than the allowable variance mandated by GPPB guidelines, reckoned as a
percentage of the peso amount as of bid opening date. Projected exchange rate fluctuations
17 For FAPs, Payment of the contract price should be made in the currency or currencies in which the bid price is
expressed in the bid of the successful bidder. When the bid price is required to be stated in local currency but the bidder
has requested payment in foreign currencies expressed as a percentage of the bid price, the exchange rates to be used
for purposes of payments should be those specified by the bidder in the bid, so as to ensure that the value of the foreign
currency portions of the bid is maintained without any loss or gain. At any rate, where the price is to be paid, wholly or
partly, in a currency or currencies other than the currency of the bid, the exchange risk should not be borne by the
supplier or contractor and, to this end, the contract should provide that amounts payable in a currency or currencies other
than that of the bid should be calculated at the rates of exchange between these currencies specified for the purpose in

Page 117 of 128
based on BSP forecasts must be factored in by the Procuring Entity in determining the ABC,
to ensure that the project cost reflects currency values at the time of project
implementation.
Are incentive bonuses allowed?
No. No incentive bonus, in whatever form or for whatever purpose, must be allowed. 18
(IRRA Section 42.4)
Taxes and Duties
Who shall be responsible for the payment of taxes and other duties?
A foreign supplier must be entirely responsible for all taxes, stamp duties, license fees, and
other such levies imposed up to the delivery of the goods to the Project Site as specified in
the contract.
A local supplier must also be entirely responsible for all taxes, duties, license fees, and other
related expenses, incurred until delivery of the contracted goods to the Procuring Entity.
Subcontracts
Is subcontracting allowed for the procurement of goods and services?
Generally, a supplier may be allowed to subcontract a portion of the contract or project.

However, the supplier should not be allowed to subcontract a material or significant portion
of the contract or project, which portion must not exceed twenty percent (20%) of the total
project cost. The bidding documents must specify what are considered as
significant/material component(s) of the project.
All subcontracting arrangements must be disclosed at the time of bidding, and

subcontractors must be identified in the bid submitted by the supplier.
Any subcontracting arrangements made during project implementation and not disclosed at
the time of the bidding shall not be allowed. The subcontracting arrangement shall not
relieve the supplier of any liability or obligation under the contract. Moreover,
subcontractors are obliged to comply with the provisions of the contract and shall be jointly
and severally liable with the principal supplier, in case of breach thereof, in so far as the
portion of the contract subcontracted to it is concerned.
Subcontractors are also bound by the same nationality requirement that applies to the
principal suppliers.
Standards
What standards shall be applied in determining the quality of the goods supplied?
The goods supplied under the contract must conform to the standards mentioned in the
technical specifications, which must preferably be Philippine standards, or standards specified
by the Bureau of Product Standards of the DTI. If there is no Philippine standard applicable,
18 For FAPs, provision may be made for a bonus to be paid to suppliers or contractors for completion of works or delivery
of goods ahead of the times specified in the contract when such earlier completion or delivery would be of benefit to the
procuring entity. The option to grant incentive bonus is given by the IFIs to the procuring entity.

Page 118 of 128
the goods must conform to the authoritative standards appropriate to the goods’ country of
origin. Such standards must be the latest issued by the concerned institution.
Packaging
What manner of packaging shall be followed by the supplier?
The supplier must provide such packaging of the goods as is required to prevent their
damage or deterioration during transit to their final destination, as indicated in the contract
and in accordance with existing industry standards. The packaging must be sufficient to
withstand, without limitation, rough handling during transit and exposure to extreme
temperatures, salt and precipitation during transit, and open storage. Packaging case size
and weights must take into consideration, where appropriate, the distance and remoteness
of the goods’ final destination and the absence of heavy handling facilities at all points in
transit.
The packaging, marking, and documentation within and outside the packages must comply
strictly with such special requirements as must be expressly provided for in the contract,
including additional requirements, if any, and in any subsequent instructions ordered by the
Procuring Entity. Moreover, the outer packaging must contain a “Packing List” which must
reflect the actual contents of the package.
Insurance
What is the extent of insurance coverage for Goods?
The goods procured must be fully insured by the supplier in a freely convertible currency
against loss or damage incidental to their manufacture or acquisition, transportation,
storage, and delivery in the manner specified in the Contract.
Transportation
Who shall be responsible for the transportation, insurance and duties of Goods
procured?
The contract must contain provisions on who will bear the cost of transportation and
insurance (as well as customs duties in case of importation). For this purpose, the specific
Incoterm must be used and identified in the contract. The Incoterm also defines the point at
which the risk of loss or damage to the goods passes from the seller to the buyer. The
Procuring Entity shall identify which terms are most responsive to the requirements of the
project.
If the Supplier is required under the Contract to deliver the goods CIF, CIP or DDP, it shall
arrange and pay for the transport of the goods to the port of destination or such other
named place of destination in the Philippines, as shall be specified in the contract. It will also
have to pay for the cost that will be incurred in the transport of these goods, the cost to be
included in the contract price.
If the supplier is required under the contract to transport the Goods to a specified place of
destination within the Philippines, defined as the Project Site, it will arrange and pay for the
transport of the goods to such place of destination. It must also pay for insurance and
storage, and related costs. These costs must be included in the Contract Price.
The Procuring Entity is encouraged to enlist the assistance of an accredited customs broker
or forwarder in all importation.

Page 119 of 128
What is the rule on transportation and insurance in Foreign Assisted Projects?
Bidding documents should permit suppliers to arrange transportation and insurance from any
eligible source. Bidding documents should state the types and terms of insurance to be
provided by the bidder. The indemnity payable under transportation insurance should be at
least one hundred ten percent (110%) of the contract amount in the currency of the contract
or in a freely convertible currency to enable prompt replacement of lost or damaged goods.
If a Procuring Entity wishes to reserve transportation and insurance for the import of goods
to national companies or other designated sources, bidders should be asked to quote FCA
(named place) or CPT (named place of destination) prices in addition to the CIP (place of
destination) price. Selection of the lowest evaluated bid should be on the basis of the CIP
(place of destination) price, but the Procuring Entity may sign the contract on FCA or CPT
terms and make its own arrangement for transportation and/or insurance. Under such
circumstances, the contract should be limited to the FCA or CPT cost. If the Procuring Entity
does not wish to obtain insurance coverage in the market, evidence should be provided to
the IFI that resources are readily available for prompt payment in a freely convertible
currency of the indemnities required to replace lost or damaged goods.
Inspection and Tests
What is the scope of the Procuring Entity’s right to inspect and test the Goods
procured?
The Procuring Entity or

its representative has the right Tips: Let’s make doing things
to inspect and/or to test the goods to easier
confirm their conformity to the contract
specifications at no extra cost to it. On the inspection of delivered goods
The bidding documents and the
contract must specify what inspections
and tests are required by the Procuring The appropriate Technical Inspection and
Entity, and where these are to be Acceptance Committee of the procuring entity
must commence the inspection and acceptance
conducted. The Procuring Entity must
process within twenty-four (24) hours from
notify the supplier in writing, in a
delivery of the goods, and shall complete the
timely manner, of the identity of
same as soon as practicable.
any representatives
retained for these purposes.
Pertinent COA regulations on technical inspection
and acceptance procedures shall be considered in
The inspections and tests may be
the conduct of such inspection and acceptance by
conducted on the premises of the
the procuring entity’s authorized inspectors.
supplier or its subcontractor(s), at
point of delivery, and/or at the goods’ final destination. If conducted on the premises of the
supplier or its subcontractor(s), all reasonable facilities and assistance, including access to
drawings and production data, must be provided by the supplier to the inspectors at no
charge to the Procuring Entity.
The Procuring Entity must bear its own costs and expenses incurred in connection with its
attendance at inspections, including, but not limited to, all traveling and board and lodging
expenses.
The Procuring Entity may require the supplier to carry out any test and/or inspection not
required by the contract but deemed necessary to verify that the characteristics and
performance of the goods comply with the technical specifications, codes and standards
under the contract. However, the reasonable costs and expenses incurred by the supplier in
the carrying out of such test and/or inspection will be added to the contract price.

Page 120 of 128
Furthermore, if such test and/or inspection impedes the progress of manufacturing and/or
the supplier’s performance of its other obligations under the contract, due allowance will be
made in respect of the delivery dates and completion dates and the other obligations so
affected. These tests shall be conducted by a government testing laboratory, or, where
there is none for the particular item being procured, in any testing laboratory accredited by
the DTI. The supplier must provide the Procuring Entity with a report of the results of any
such test and/or inspection. These results will be conclusive of the quality of the items and
not subject to further dispute between the parties.
The Procuring Entity may reject any goods or any part thereof that fail to pass any test
and/or inspection or do not conform to the specifications. The supplier should either rectify
or replace such rejected goods or parts thereof or make alterations necessary to meet the
specifications at no cost to the Procuring Entity, and shall repeat the test and/or inspection,
at no cost to the Procuring Entity, upon giving a notice pursuant to the contract.
The supplier should agree in the contract that neither the execution of a test and/or
inspection of the goods or any part thereof, nor the attendance by the Procuring Entity or its
representative, shall release the supplier from any warranties or other obligations under the
contract.
Intellectual Property Rights
Shall the Procuring Entity be liable for infringement of intellectual property rights
arising from the use of the goods procured?
The Procuring Entity should not be liable for any infringement of intellectual property rights
arising from the use of the goods procured. In case there are third-party claims of such
infringement of patent, trademark, or industrial design rights, the supplier must hold the
Procuring Entity free and harmless against such claims. These terms should be expressed in
the contract.
Limitations of Liability
What is the extent of the supplier’s liability for damages?
Except in cases of criminal negligence or willful misconduct, and in the case of infringement
of intellectual property rights, and unless otherwise specified in the contract, the supplier is
generally not liable to the Procuring Entity, whether in contract, tort or otherwise, for any
indirect or consequential loss or damage, loss of use, loss of production, or loss of profits or
interest costs, provided that this exclusion does not apply to any obligation of the supplier to
pay liquidated damages to the Procuring Entity. This is without prejudice to any other
liability, penalty or appropriate sanction that may be imposed upon the supplier under R.A.
9184 and other applicable laws.
Termination for Default
What are the grounds How’s that again?

for termination for default?
Any of the following conditions shall On contract termination and damages

constitute as a ground for termination
of the contract for default: Termination of a contract for default is without
prejudice to other remedies available to the
procuring entity for breach of contract, such as
payment of liquidated and other damages, if
there are grounds for the latter.
If the contract is not wholly terminated, the
supplier shall continue to deliver the remaining
goods or to perform the remaining services
contracted.
Page 121 of 128
1. There being no force majeure, the supplier fails to deliver any or all of the
goods within the period(s) specified in the contract, or within any extension thereof
granted by the Procuring Entity pursuant to a request made by the supplier prior to
the delay,
and such failure amounts to at least ten percent (10%) of the contract price;
2. As a result of force majeure, the supplier is unable to deliver or perform any or all of
the goods or services, amounting to at least ten percent (10%) of the contract price,
for a period of not less than sixty (60) calendar days after the receipt of the notice
from the Procuring Entity stating that the circumstance of force majeure is deemed
to have ceased;
3. The supplier fails to perform any other obligation(s) under the contract; or
4. The supplier, in the judgment of the Procuring Entity, has engaged in corrupt,
fraudulent, collusive or coercive practices in competing for or in executing the
contract.
How does the Procuring Entity proceed with the procurement in case of a contract
termination due to default?
If the Procuring Entity terminates the contract in whole or in part, due to default, it may
procure from third parties, through the appropriate alternative method of procurement,
goods or services similar to those undelivered. The supplier that defaulted will be liable to
the Procuring Entity for any excess costs for such similar goods or services.
Termination for Insolvency
What remedy does the Procuring Entity have when a supplier is unable to perform
his obligations due to bankruptcy or insolvency?
The Procuring Entity may at any time terminate the contract by giving written notice to the
supplier, if the supplier is declared bankrupt or insolvent as determined with finality by a
court of competent jurisdiction. In this event, termination will be without compensation to
the supplier, provided that such termination will not prejudice or affect any right of action or
remedy which has accrued or will accrue thereafter to the Procuring Entity and/or the
supplier.
Termination for Convenience
May termination be allowed for reasons other than those attributable to the
supplier?
The Procuring Entity, by written notice sent to the supplier, may terminate the contract, in
whole or in part, at any time for its convenience. The notice of termination shall specify that
the termination is for the Procuring Entity’s convenience, the extent to which performance of
the supplier under the contract is terminated, and the date upon which such termination
becomes effective.
What circumstances may constitute sufficient grounds to terminate a contract for

convenience?

Page 122 of 128
Any of the following circumstances may constitute sufficient grounds to terminate a contract
for convenience:
1. If physical and economic conditions have significantly changed so as to render the

project no longer economically, financially or technically feasible, as determined by
the Head of the Procuring Entity;
2. The Head of the Procuring Entity has determined the existence of conditions that
make project implementation impractical and/or unnecessary, such as, but not
limited to, fortuitous event/s, changes in laws and government policies;
3. Funding for the project has been withheld or reduced by higher authorities through
no fault of the Procuring Entity; or
4. Any circumstance analogous to the foregoing.
Also see the Guidelines on Termination of Contracts approved by the GPPB in Resolution No.
018-2004, dated December 22, 2004.
What effect shall termination for convenience have on pending deliveries?
The goods that are complete and ready for shipment within thirty (30) days after the
supplier’s receipt of notice of termination shall be accepted by the Procuring Entity at the
contract terms and prices. For the remaining goods, the Procuring Entity may elect:
How’s that again?
On the assignment of contractual

obligations and the entry of
nonbidders into the procurement
process
Assignment of contractual obligations or the

contract itself may generally not be done
because this will enable a non-bidder to
become a party to the contract. This
arrangement will make a mockery of the public
bidding process, so that one who was not
declared eligible to bid and did not participate
in the bidding process will end up as the
contract awardee, although indirectly.
Moreover, assignors will only add to the

number of parties that the procuring entity has
to deal with, thereby complicating contract
implementation. This could also be a problem
if litigation becomes necessary to enforce the
contract.
1. To have any portion completed and delivered at the contract
terms and prices; and/or

Page 123 of 128
2. To cancel the remainder and pay to the supplier an agreed amount for partially
completed goods and services and for materials and parts previously procured by
the supplier.
If the Supplier suffers loss in its initial performance of the terminated contract, such as
purchase of raw materials for Goods specially manufactured for the Procuring Entity which
cannot be sold in the open market, it shall be allowed to recover partially from the contract,
on a quantum meruit basis. The fact of loss must be established before recovery may be
made.
Assignment
May the Supplier assign a contract, or any of its rights or obligations arising from
the contract, to a third party?
As a general rule, the supplier may not assign the contract, or any of its rights or obligations
arising from the contract, to a third party, except with the Procuring Entity’s prior written
consent.
Blacklisting
The blacklisting of suppliers must conform to the GPPB Guidelines issued for this purpose.
As such, reference should be made to the Uniform Guidelines for Blacklisting of
Manufacturers, Suppliers, Distributors, Contractors and Consultants, approved by the GPPB
in Resolution 092004, dated August 20, 2004.

General Procurement Activities
and Timelines
Page 125 of 128
General Procurement Activities and Timeline for Goods
Below is the timeline for the public bidding of goods under R.A. 9184 and its IRR-A. 19
1a. Publishes the IAEB in the Newspaper. IRR-A Sec. 5 (h) states that: “Competitive
Bidding. Refers to a method of procurement which is open to participation by any
interested party and which consists of the following processes: advertisement, pre-bid
conference, eligibility screening of prospective bidders, receipt and opening of bids,
evaluation of bids, post-qualification, and award of contract.” Based on the order in which
the processes are introduced, we can glean that procurement through Competitive Bidding
starts with advertisement. Hence, this activity shall be Day 1 of the timeline for the
procurement process. When a pre-procurement conference is necessary, it is advisable not
to hold it too far from the initial planned date of the advertisement of the IAEB. Take note
that advertisement of the IAEB in the newspaper is not required for contracts to be bid with
an ABC < P2,000,000.00 (IRR-A Sec. 21.2.3) and for alternative methods as provided for in
Rule XVI of the IRR-A of R.A. 9184. (IRR-A Sec. 21.2.4)
1b. Posts the IAEB in the Website of the Procuring Entity, its E-Procurement
Service Provider, if any, PhilGEPS, & at a Conspicuous Place Reserved for this
Purpose. IRR-A Sec. 21.2.1 provides that the IAEB shall be posted continuously in the
website of the Procuring Entity concerned, if available, the website of the Procuring Entity’s
service provider, if any, as provided in IRR-A Sec. 8, the G-EPS, and at any conspicuous
place reserved for this purpose in the premises of the Procuring Entity concerned for seven
(7) calendar days starting on date of advertisement. This means that the IAEB shall be
continuously posted from Day 1 to Day 7.
2a. Issue Bidding Documents. IRR-A Sec. 17.5 states that: “Prospective bidders shall be
given ample time to examine the bidding documents and to prepare their respective bids.
To provide ample time, the concerned BAC shall promptly issue the bidding documents for
the contract to be bid at the time the Invitation to Apply for Eligibility and to Bid is first
advertised.” This means that the earliest possible issuance of Bidding Documents is Day 1.
With regard to the latest possible issuance, IRR-A Sec. 21.2.2 (i) states that: “For goods, a
maximum period of thirty (30) calendar days from date of advertisement and/or 1 st day of
posting of the Invitation to Apply for Eligibility and to Bid up to opening of bids.” Since the
earliest possible issuance of Bidding Documents is Day 1, its latest possible issuance shall
then be Day 31.
2b. Secure Bidding Documents. For purposes of participating in the bidding, the Bidding
Documents can be acquired as early as the first day of advertising and/or posting of IAEB
and as late as before the submission of bids. However, time is against the bidder if he/she
opts to get the Bidding Documents at the last minute.
3a. Calls a Pre-bid Conference. IRR-A Sec. 22.2 states that: “The pre-bid conference shall
be held at least twelve (12) calendar days before the deadline for the submission and receipt
of bids.” Since the latest possible deadline for the submission and receipt of bids is Day 31,
(see 4a. Submits Eligibility, Technical and Financial Envelopes) the latest possible time
shall then be Day 19. It should be noted that the deadline for the submission and receipt of
bids is the same as the date of bid opening.
The earliest possible time to call a pre-bid conference is suggested to be seven (7) calendar
days after the date of advertisement and/or posting of the IAEB. Since the earliest possible
19 The timeline for the procurement of goods under IFI financing, with respect to ICB or NCB procedures, should be in
accordance with the guidelines or procedures of the IFI concerned.
Manual of Procedures for the Procurement Goods and Services
time to publish the IAEB is Day 1, this pegs the earliest date for the Pre-bid Conference to
Day 8. Take note that the suggestion for the earliest possible time is not stated in the law or
in the IRR-A, but is provided for in this manual to give the bidders ample time to study the
bidding documents prior to the pre-bid conference, which also reflects the legislative intent
behind IRR-A Sec. 22.2.
Page 126 of 128
3b. Makes Available Copies of Minutes of the Pre-bid Conference. IRR-A Sec. 22.3
states that: “The minutes of the pre-bid conference shall be recorded and made available to
all participants not later than three (3) calendar days after the pre-bid conference.” Thus, the
earliest and latest possible availability of the copies of the minutes is Day 11 and Day 22
respectively.
3c. Issues Supplemental/Bid Bulletin. IRR-A Sec. 22.5.1 states that: “The BAC shall
respond to the said request by issuing a Supplemental/Bid Bulletin, duly signed by the BAC
chairman, to be made available to all those who have properly secured the bidding
documents from the Procuring Entity, at least seven (7) calendar days before the deadline
for the submission and receipt of bids.” Similarly, IRR-A Sec. 22.5.2 states that:
“Supplemental/Bid Bulletins may be issued upon the Procuring Entity’s initiative for purposes
of clarifying or modifying any provision of the bidding documents not later than seven (7)
calendar days before the deadline for the submission and receipt of bids.” Since the latest
possible deadline for the submission and receipt of bids is Day 31, (see 4a. Submits
Eligibility, Technical and Financial Envelopes) the latest possible issuance shall then be
Day 24.
For the earliest possible time, it is possible for the BAC to issue Supplemental/Bid Bulletins at
its own initiative immediately after the Bidding Documents are issued, even within the same
day. Thus, the earliest possible day for the issuance of the Bidding Documents may actually
be the earliest possible issuance of the Supplemental/Bid Bulletin as well, already taking into
consideration the preparation of the Supplemental/Bid Bulletin and approval by the BAC
Chairman. This pegs the earliest possible issuance of the Supplemental/Bid Bulletin to Day
1.
4a. Submits Eligibility, Technical and Financial Envelopes. IRR-A Sec. 21.2.2 (i) states
that: “For goods, a maximum period of thirty (30) calendar days from date of advertisement
and/or 1st day of posting of the Invitation to Apply for Eligibility and to Bid up to opening of
bids.” Since the date of advertisement and/or 1st day of posting of the IAEB is Day 1 and the
maximum period is thirty (30) calendar days, the latest possible submission date shall then
be Day 31.
With regard to the earliest possible time, nothing in the law or IRR-A of R.A. 9184 prohibits
the bidders from submitting their Eligibility Envelopes to the BAC immediately after the IAEB
is first advertised. Thus, the earliest possible time for this activity is Day 1. IRR-A, Section
23.6, allows the BAC to maintain a file of the Class “A” Eligibility Documents. When such file
is required, a manufacturer, supplier or distributor may simply maintain a current file of
these documents at least once a year or more frequently when needed. This means that,
with respect to Class “A” Eligibility Documents,” these may be submitted to the Procuring
Entity even before any bidding activity – thus even before Day 1.
4b. Receives and Opens Eligibility, Technical and Financial Envelopes. IRR-A Sec.
22.2 states that: “The pre-bid conference shall be held at least twelve (12) calendar days
before the deadline for the submission and receipt of bids.” This implies that if the Procuring
Entity holds its pre-bid conference as suggested, i.e. Day 8, (See 3a. Calls a Pre-Bid
Conference) the earliest possible receipt [and opening] of the bids is twelve (12) calendar
days after that, which is Day 20.
IRR-A Sec. 21.2.2 (i) states that: “For goods, a maximum period of thirty (30) calendar days
from date of advertisement and/or 1st day of posting of the Invitation to Apply for Eligibility
and to Bid up to opening of bids.” Since the date of advertisement and/or 1 st day of posting
of the IAEB is Day 1 and the maximum period is thirty (30) calendar days, the latest possible
submission date shall then be Day 31.
5. Evaluates Bids and Determines LCB. IRR-A Sec. 32.3 states that: “The entire
evaluation process shall be completed in not more than seven (7) calendar days for the
procurement of goods and infrastructure projects from the deadline for receipt of proposals.”
Since the latest possible deadline for receipt of proposals is Day 31 (See 4a. Submits
Eligibility, Technical & Financial Envelopes) the latest possible time for this activity is
pegged at Day 38.
Page 127 of 128
The earliest possible time is the day after the earliest possible date of opening of bids. Since
the earliest possible time for the opening of bids is Day 20, this pegs the earliest possible
time to Day 21.
6. Conducts Post-Qualification and Determines LCRB. IRR-A Sec. 34.1 states

that: “Within seven (7) calendar days from the determination of the Lowest Calculated Bid,
the BAC shall conduct and accomplish a post-qualification of the bidder with the Lowest
Calculated Bid”. Since the latest possible time for the determination of the LCB is Day 38, the
latest possible time to conduct post-qualification and determine LCRB is Day 45. However, it
should be noted that in IRR-A Section 34.1 further states that: “In exceptional cases, the
postqualification period may be extended by the head of the procuring entity, but in no case
shall the aggregate period exceed thirty (30) calendar days.” This means that the latest
possible time to conduct post-qualification in exceptional cases is Day 68.
One (1) calendar day after the earliest possible time for the determination of the LCB is
assumed for the earliest possible time of these activities, which pegs it to Day 22.
7a. Drafts the BAC Resolution Recommending Award. The earliest and latest possible
dates for this activity are the same as the earliest and latest possible dates for
postqualification and determination of LCRB, which are Day 22 and Day 45 respectively.
7b. Approves Recommendation and Issues Notice of Award. IRR-A Sec. 37.2.1 states
that: “Within a period not exceeding seven (7) calendar days from the determination and
declaration by the BAC of the Lowest Calculated and Responsive Bid, and the
recommendation of the award, the Head of the Procuring Entity or his duly authorized
representative shall approve or disapprove the said recommendation. x x x In case of
approval, the Head of the Procuring Entity or his duly authorized representative shall
immediately issue the Notice of Award to the bidder with the Lowest Calculated and
Responsive Bid.” Since the latest possible time to determine LCRB is Day 45, the latest
possible time for this activity shall then be pegged at Day 52. However, “In the case of
GOCCs and GFIs, the period provided herein shall be fifteen (15) calendar days.” In which
case, the latest possible time shall be pegged at Day 60.
One (1) calendar day after the earliest possible time for the BAC Secretariat to draft the BAC
resolution recommending award is assumed for the earliest possible time of these activities,
which pegs it to Day 23.
8a. BAC Finalizes the Contract with the Assistance of the TWG. The earliest possible
date for finalizing the contract is the same as the earliest possible time for issuance of notice
of award, which is Day 23. The latest possible date for this activity is the same as the latest
possible date for signing of the contract, which is Day 62 or, in the case of GOCCs and GFIs,
Day 70.
8b. Bidder with LCRB Posts Performance Security and Signs Contract. IRR-A Sec.
37.3 states that: “The winning bidder or its duly authorized representative shall comply with
all the remaining documentary requirements, if any, prior to formally entering into contract
with the procuring entity concerned within ten (10) calendar days from receipt by the
winning bidder of the Notice of Award.” If it were to be assumed that the winning bidder
received the notice of award on the same date that it was issued, then the latest possible
time for contract signing is Day 62 or, in the case of GOCCs and GFIs, Day 70.
One (1) calendar day after the earliest possible time for the contract to be finalized is
assumed for the earliest possible time of this activity, which is pegged at Day 24.
8c. Head of the Procuring Entity or Contract Signatory Signs the Contract and
Receives the Performance Security. The earliest possible date for the Head of the
Procuring Entity to sign the contract is the same as the earliest possible time for the bidder
with LCRB to sign the same, which is Day 24.
The latest possible date for this activity is the same as the latest possible date for the bidder
with LCRB to sign the contract, which is Day 62 or Day 70, as the case may be.
Manual of Procedures for the Procurement Goods and Services
Page 128 of 128
8d. Perfects and Approves Contract. IRR-A Sec. 37.4 states that: “When further approval
of higher authority is required, the approving authority for the contract, or his duly
authorized representative, shall be given a maximum of fifteen (15) calendar days from
receipt thereof, together with all documentary requirements to perfect the said contract, to
approve or disapprove it.” Since the latest possible time for contract signing is pegged at Day
62, the latest possible time for this activity is pegged at Day 77. However, “In the case of
GOCCs, the concerned board, or its duly authorized representative, shall act on the approval
of the contract within twenty-five (25) calendar days from receipt thereof together with all
documentary requirements to perfect the said contract.” Since the latest possible time for
contract signing, in the case of GOCCs, is Day 70, this pegs the latest possible time to
perfect and approve the contract by the higher authority at Day 95.
One (1) calendar day after the earliest possible time for the contract to be signed by both
parties is assumed for the earliest possible time of this activity, which pegs it at Day 25.
Take note that this becomes step "8d" only when approval of higher authority is required.
8e. Issues NTP. IRR-A Sec. 37.5 states that: “The concerned procuring entity shall then
issue the Notice to Proceed together with a copy or copies of the approved contract to the
successful bidder within three (3) calendar days from the date of approval of the contract by
the appropriate government approving authority.” Since the latest possible times for the
approval of the contract is Day 62 if further approval is not required, for NGAs; Day 70 if
further approval is not required, for GOCCs; Day 77 if further approval is required, for NGAs;
or Day 95 if further approval is required, for GOCCs; the latest issuance of the NTP is pegged
at Day 65, Day 73, Day 80 or Day 98, as the case may be.
One (1) calendar day after the earliest possible time for the contract to be signed by both
parties is assumed for the earliest possible time of this activity, which pegs it to Day 25 if
further approval is not required, or Day 26 if further approval is required. Take note that
this becomes step "8d" when approval of higher authority is not required.

GPM - Vol.2

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

GPM - Vol.2

Uploaded by

Document Information

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

GPM - Vol.2

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

VOLUME 2

Manual of Procedures for the

MANUAL OF PROCEDURES FOR THE PROCUREMENT OF GOODS AND

ABBREVIATIONS AND ACRONYMS............................................................

SCOPE OF VOLUME 2......................................................................................

PREPARING FOR THE PROCUREMENT OF GOODS AND SERVICES .................

What are the factors to be considered in planning for the procurement of

Goods?............8 What are “Technical

Specifications”? ........................................................................10 What are the

What is the “Approved Budget for the Contract” or the ABC?.......................................11

PREPARING THE BIDDING DOCUMENTS.............................................................

Documents?.................................................................................13 What are the

contents of Bidding Documents?...........................................................13 In addition

When should you prepare the Bidding Documents?....................................................14

4 Methodology: How are the Bidding Documents

prepared?..........................................15 What is a Bid

Security?...........................................................................................15 What are

determines the form of the Bid Security to be submitted by bidders?....................16

Manual of Procedures for the Procurement of Goods and Services

What is the period of validity of Bids and the corresponding Bid

Security?.....................16 In what currency shall the Bid Security be

denominated?............................................17 What happens if a bidder does not

submit a Bid Security? ..........................................17 When should Bid Securities be

returned to the bidders?..............................................17 What is a Performance

Security? .............................................................................17 When shall the

amount of the Performance Security?..............................................................18

released?.....................................................18 Who are the parties involved in the

posting of the Performance Security?.....................19

Conference?...................................................................20 Why is a Pre-procurement

Conference necessary? .....................................................20 When do you conduct a

Pre-procurement Conference? ...............................................20 Who calls for a Pre-

procurement Conference?............................................................20 Who are the

participants of a Pre-procurement Conference? .......................................20

THE PROCUREMENT SERVICE OF THE DEPARTMENT OF BUDGET AND

THE PS-DBM AND THE PHILGEPS .................................................................

DBM?.......................................................................25 What is the policy of the

Manual of Procedures for the Procurement of Goods and Services

relevance to the procurement of

goods?....................................................................26 Methodology: How does a

Procuring Entity procure through the PS-DBM?......................26

INSTRUCTIONS ON THE PROCEDURAL STEPS FOR THE PROCUREMENT

COMPETITIVE BIDDING ................................................................................

STEP 1 ADVERTISE AND POST AN INVITATION TO APPLY FOR ELIGIBILITY AND

(IAEB)?....................................32 Why do you post an Invitation to Apply for Eligibility

and to Bid?..................................32 What does an Invitation to Apply for Eligibility and

Methodology: How are IAEBs advertised and posted?.................................................34

STEP 2 ISSUE THE BIDDING DOCUMENTS........................................................ 36

Methodology: How are the Bidding Documents issued? ..............................................37

STEP 3 CALL A PRE-BID CONFERENCE AND, IF NECESSARY, ISSUE

Who must attend the Pre-bid Conference?.................................................................39

process?...........................................................40 Methodology: How is the Pre-bid

Manual of Procedures for the Procurement of Goods and Services

Conference conducted?.............................................40 What happens if there is a

Who are involved in the Issuance of the Supplemental/Bid Bulletin? .............................41

bid?.........................................................................44 When is a prospective bidder

eligible to bid?..............................................................46 What are the minimum

eligibility requirements?.........................................................46 What is the purpose

requirements of a prospective foreign bidder? ...........................48 How and when must

the Eligibility Envelope be submitted?..........................................48 What happens if a

IAEB? ...............................................................49 When should the eligibility