DPWH Chief Warns Bidders- Disclose Only the Facts

(DPWH) — Public Works and Highways Secretary Rogelio L. Singson issued a policy directive calling the attention of contractors who are prospective bidders for DPWH infrastructure contracts to disclose all their ongoing and completed projects with the government and private entities.

“I noticed that some contractors or bidders do not disclose complete information of their ongoing projects. In some instances, their submitted documents for eligibility do not have information on ongoing contracts particularly those with the private entities,” Secretary Singson said.

Secretary Singson further clarified that ongoing contract, including contracts awarded but not yet started are those contracts within the DPWH; outside the DPWH like national government agencies, government-owned and controlled corporations, and local government units; and private entities.

In his policy directive in DPWH Department Order 36 series of 2015 entitled “Disclosure of Ongoing Contracts by Prospective Bidders for Infrastructure Contracts” pursuant to Section 23.1 (iii) of the Implementing Rules and Regulations of Republic Act No. 9184, every prospective bidder for a DPWH infrastructure contract shall submit as part of its Technical Documents for eligibility a statement of all of its ongoing and completed government and private contracts.

It includes contracts awarded but not yet started, if any, whether or not similar in nature and complexity to the contract to be bid, within the period provided in the Bidding Documents. The statement shall disclose litigation history of the bidder’s ongoing contracts with the government and private entities.

Non-compliance with the Order shall make the concerned bidders liable to the penalties under Section 65.3 and to the administrative sanctions under Section 69 of RA 9184-IRR.

Singson has directed all heads of DPWH procuring entities to strictly enforce and monitor compliance to said Department Order or face penalties of reprimand for the 1st offense; suspension for 1-30 days for the 2nd offense; and dismissal for the 3rd offense as prescribed for violation of reasonable office rules and regulations in Section 52, C(3) of August 31, 1999 Civil Service Resolution No. 991936 known as the “Uniform Rules on Administrative Cases in the Civil Service”.