Deadline extended for BCDA ICT project
THE Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) has extended the submission of eligibility requirements for bidders of its passive information and communication technology (ICT) infrastructure project in New Clark City, Tarlac.
In a statement on Sunday, the BCDA announced that the submission of eligibility requirements has been extended to Feb. 16, 2024, from Dec. 18, 2023.
“We understand that to do this project effectively, we will need the expertise of the private sector who can help us,” BCDA President and Chief Executive Officer Joshua Bingcang said.
The project was conceptualized under an open access fiber (OAF) platform that will form the foundation for the establishment of a robust fiber infrastructure and competitive retail services in New Clark City. It will also allow telecommunication companies and data transmission providers to connect and service residences, offices, institutions, and data centers.
The OAF model will also serve as an anchor for smart city development and e-government solutions that are highly dependent on resilient fiber-grade connectivity and data centers.
To recall, the BCDA in November last year announced that it was opening its doors to a joint venture (JV) in its bid to implement smart urban development in New Clark City, which will pave the way for the commercialization of ICT facilities with an estimated project cost of P2.53 billion.
Prospective bidders are invited to submit prequalification requirements and bid for the disposition of the passive ICT infrastructure, which will be undertaken through the JV that will handle the commercialization and, if necessary, the expansion, repair, and maintenance of the ICT system in the area.
“This project is key to unlocking the potential of New Clark City as a smart and sustainable metropolis where its citizens have equal access to fast, reliable and affordable internet services,” Bingcang said.
“Once fully developed, New Clark City is projected to become the home of about one million residents, with a projected employment of about 200,000 workers,” he added.
The submission will be only at noon at the BCDA Office, second floor, Bonifacio Technology Center, 31st Street corner 2nd Avenue, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig. Notification of shortlisted private sector participants is set for Feb. 28, 2024.