Scope and Application This Act shall apply to the Procurement of Infrastructure Projects, Goods, and Consulting Services, regardless of source of funds, whether local or foreign, by all branches and instrumentalities of government, its departments, offices and agencies, including government-owned and/or -controlled corporations and local government units, subject to the provisions of Commonwealth Act No. 138. Any treaty or international or executive agreement affecting the subject matter of this Act to which the Philippine government is a signatory shall be observed. 1. Infrastructure Projects - This scope covers the procurement of construction, repair, rehabilitation, demolition, and maintenance of infrastructure projects such as roads, bridges, buildings, and other public works. This scope is needed to ensure that government infrastructure projects are procured in a transparent and competitive manner to promote efficiency and prevent corruption An example of an infrastructure project is the construction of a new government or the repair and maintenance of a public road. 2. Goods - This scope covers the procurement of goods such as office supplies, equipment, furniture, vehicles, and other tangible assets. This scope is needed to ensure that government agencies procure goods at the best value for money through a transparent and competitive process. Examples of goods is office supplies such as paper, pens, and ink cartridges, as well as equipment such as computers, printers, and vehicles. 3. Consulting Services - This scope covers the procurement of consulting services such as feasibility studies, project management services, design services, and other professional services. This scope is needed to ensure that government agencies procure consulting services from qualified professionals through a transparent and competitive process. Examples of consulting services include feasibility studies for a new government project, project management services for a construction project, or design services for a new government building 4. Non-Consulting Services - This scope covers the procurement of non-consulting services such as janitorial services, security services, catering services, and other non-professional services. This scope is needed to ensure that government agencies procure non-consulting services at the best value for money through a transparent and competitive process. Examples of non-consulting services includes janitorial services for government buildings, security services for public events or facilities, and catering services for official government functions 5. Lease or Rental of Property - This scope covers the lease or rental of real property such as office space or land for government use. This scope is needed to ensure that government agencies lease or rent property at reasonable rates through a transparent and competitive process. An example of property is the lease or rental of office space for a government agency These examples illustrate the different types of goods and services that are procured by the government through a transparent and competitive process in accordance with RA 9184. Overall, these different scopes are necessary to ensure that all branches and instrumentalities of government procure goods and services in a manner that promotes transparency, accountability, efficiency, competitiveness while ensuring best value for money. RECEIPT AND OPENING OF BIDS Section 23 outlines the eligibility requirements for the procurement of Goods and Infrastructure Projects. 1. Eligibility Determination: The Bids and Awards Committee (BAC) or its designated office will assess the eligibility of prospective bidders based on their compliance with the eligibility requirements specified in the Invitation to Bid. 2. Compliance Period: Prospective bidders must meet the eligibility requirements within the timeframe stated in the Invitation to Bid. 3. Fair and Equal Access: The eligibility requirements are designed to provide fair and equal access to all prospective bidders, ensuring a level playing field. 4. Submission of Documents: Prospective bidders must submit the required documents that demonstrate their eligibility. These documents should be made under oath and certify the accuracy of the statements made, as well as the completeness and authenticity of the submitted documents. 5. Electronic Submission: Prospective bidders may be allowed to submit their eligibility requirements electronically. However, they must later provide a certification under oath confirming the correctness of the statements made and the completeness and authenticity of the documents submitted. Section 24 pertains to the eligibility requirements and short listing process for Consulting Services procurement. 1. Eligibility Determination: Prospective bidders for Consulting Services must comply with the eligibility requirements specified in the relevant Competitive Bidding process. They must submit the necessary documents and certify under oath the accuracy, completeness, and authenticity of the submitted information. 2. Fair and Equal Access: The eligibility requirements aim to provide fair and equal access to all prospective bidders, ensuring an unbiased evaluation process. 3. Electronic Submission: Prospective bidders may be allowed to submit their eligibility requirements electronically. However, they are still required to provide a certification under oath, confirming the accuracy and authenticity of the submitted documents. 4. Evaluation and Short Listing: Eligible prospective bidders are then evaluated using numerical ratings based on the short listing requirements outlined in the specific Competitive Bidding process. This evaluation determines the short list of bidders who will be invited to submit their bids. Section 25: Submission and Receipt of Bids 1. Bid Components: Bids should have separate sealed envelopes for the technical and financial components. 2. Simultaneous Submission: Bidders must submit both components at the same time to the Bids and Awards Committee (BAC). 3. Specified Date, Time, and Place: The invitation to bid specifies the deadline, date, time, and location for bid submission. 4. Deadline Adherence: Bidders must submit their bids before the specified deadline. Late bids will not be accepted. 5. Innovative Procedures: The Government Procurement Policy Board (GPPB) may introduce innovative procedures, including the use of the Government Electronic Procurement System (G-EPS), for bid submission, receipt, and opening. SEC. 26: Modification and Withdrawal of Bids 1. Bid Modification: Bidders can modify their bids before the deadline by submitting a sealed envelope clearly marked as a modification of the original bid. 2. Bid Withdrawal: Bidders can withdraw their bid or express their intention not to participate in the bidding by submitting a letter before the bid deadline. Once withdrawn, they cannot submit another bid for the same contract. SEC. 27: Bid Security 1. Bid Security: All bids must be accompanied by a bid security. It guarantees that the winning bidder will enter into a contract with the Procuring Entity and provide the required performance security after receiving the Notice of Award. The specific amounts and forms of bid security are specified in the IRR. SEC. 28: Bid Validity 1. Validity Period: Bids and bid securities remain valid for a reasonable period indicated in the bidding documents. The duration considers the time required for bid evaluation and contract award. SEC. 29: Bid Opening 1. Public Bid Opening: The BAC conducts a public opening of all bids at the specified time, date, and place mentioned in the bidding documents. 2. Accessibility: The minutes of the bid opening are available to the public upon written request and payment of a specified fee.