MED PABAC-005-19 Forward Treatment Unit Acquisition Project of the Philippine Army

 To continue the modernization of its logistics capabilities, the Philippine Army has raised a requirement for a variety of trucks that would allow them to improve their transport capabilities.

The Forward Treatment Unit Acquisition Project is a further plan to improve the medical capabilities of the Philippine Army to support forward-deployed troops, and can also be used during Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations.

Two of the new Surgical Trucks, with the Forward Treatment Unit facility shown in the background, taken during the PA's 126th founding anniversary celebration on 22 March 2023.. Photo credits to MaxDefense Philippines community member who wish to remain anonymous.

Project Summary:

Forward Treatment Unit Acquisition Project:

Note: Edited as of 23 March 2023.

* Project Number: MED PABAC-005-19

* End User: Philippine Army (1st, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, 9th, 9th, 10th Infantry Divisions)

* Quantity: 
   - 8 Mobile Surgical Trucks
   - 8 Medical Care (Resuscitative) sets
   - 64 Enhanced Frame Type Tents
   - 256 Cot Beds
   - 32 Air-conditioning Systems
   - 8 Generator Sets 75KVA
   - 24 Water Systems

* Modernization Phase: GAA2019 Procurement Projects of the Philippine Army

* Project ABC: Php421,048,000.00

* Acquisition Mode: Public Bidding

* Source of Funding: Donation by Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) worth Php421,000,000.00. Additional funding by Philippine Army GAA for 2019.

* SARO Release/s: TBC

* Winning Proponent: Joint Venture of Cylix Technologies Inc. and Optima Technic LLC (Turkey)

* Product/s for Delivery: Optima Technic Military Field Hospital, and Mobile Surgical Truck on Dongfeng Tianjin EQ2160 6x6 truck

* Contract Price: Php420,500,000.00

* Residual Amount: Php548,000.00

* First post by MaxDefense: 24 March 2023 (this post)

* MaxDefense Searching Hashtag: #PAFTU2019Acquisition 

* Status: First released for tender in 2019, but bidding failed. Another bidding attempt was made on January 2021 which resulted in a bidding failure, and a third attempt was opened on April 2021 which became successful. The project was awarded to the Joint Venture of Cylix Technologies Inc and Optima Technic LLC of Turkey on 10 September 2021. Notice to Proceed was released on 04 January 2022, and the Contract was approved by 12 January 2022. Delivery was made in late 2022. PROJECT COMPLETED.


Overview:

With the modernization of the Philippine Army, among those that were given a chance to improve is on the medical field and support, where the idea is to provide the fastest way to save their soldier's lives especially during combat operations.

According to the Philippine Army, from 2016 to 2018, the Philippine Army recorded an average of 895 soldiers wounded in action and an average of 191 killed in combat. And from January 2018 up to June 2019, the Philippine Army recorded 1,161 casualties from military operations. Of this number, 271 soldiers died because they did not immediately receive proper medical treatment.

This data shows that improvement in medical capabilities should be made to save as many of its wounded troops as possible.

The medical capability's modernization has been done in gradual measures, first with providing improved medical kits to troops as well as the Combat Lifesaver Kits, and providing them at a wider scale to troops in combat operations, which allows first aid to be made.

The Philippine Army's Combat Lifesaver Kit, photo credits to Webbingbabel.

Next is the procurement of field ambulances that allows the quick transport of wounded troops out of the battlefield by land. This was recently supported by the improvement of air ambulance capabilities by both the Philippine Army and Philippine Air Force to enable faster transport of seriously wounded troops into better equipped hospitals.

Improvement of medical facilities on military bases was also made, as well as for the AFP Medical Center in Quezon City.

Then there was the introduction of a forward deployed medical facility that was introduced only a couple of years ago, more like a small field hospital which will allow the establishment of a forward deployed medical facility as close to the area of conflict or emergency as possible.

The procurement of the Forward Treatment Unit is the latest addition, which is an improvement of a field hospital by allowing surgery capabilities. This is a more complicated equipment due to the requirement of specialized surgical equipment and tools.

Prior to the procurement of tis project for a  Forward Treatment Unit, the Philippine Army created their own as a proof of concept. One of the Philippine Army's Ural 4320 8-ton truck was converted to a surgical truck, while the Philippine Army also used Enhanced Frame-Type Tents to build a small forward treatment unit.

This was first shown to the public during the Philippine Army's 122nd founding anniversary in March 2019.

To address this requirement into a wider project, the Philippine Army opened a tender to procure eight more Forward Treatment Units which will be assigned to a division-level units. This is just an initial step as the Philippine Army plans to have additional FTUs to provide to other division-level units (currently the Philippine Army has 11 Infantry Divisions, 1 Armored Division, and several regimental-sized independent units).

According to our parent page MaxDefense Philippines, the ultimate goal is for the Philippine Army to deploy these FTUs to brigade-level units, and creating larger FTUs for division-sized units.

Based on the bid documents, the units to receive a Forward Treatment Unit each are the following:
* 5th Infantry Division based at Camp Melchor F Dela Cruz, Upi, Gamu, Isabela;
* 7th Infantry Division based at Fort Ramon Magsaysay, Palayan City, Nueva Ecija;
* 9th Infantry Division based at Camp Elias Angeles, Pili, Camarines Sur;
* 8th Infantry Division based at Camp General Vicente Lucban, Catbalogan City, Samar;
* 1st Infantry Division based at Camp Major L San-an, Puacan, Labangan, Zamboanga del Sur;

* 4th Infantry Division based at Camp Edilberto Evangelista, Patag, Cagayan de Oro City; Misamis Oriental;
* 6th Infantry Division based at Camp BGen. Gonzalo H Siongco, Awang, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao; and the
* 10th Infantry Division based at Camp Gen. Manuel T Yan Sr, Brgy Tuboran, Mawab, Compostela Valley.


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U P D A T E S:
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19 June 2019:

The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) confirmed that it donated Php421 million for the procurement of Forward Treatment Facilities for the Philippine Army.

This was held on 13 June 2019 with DND Assistant Secretary for Logistics and Acquisition Jesus Rey Avilla receiving it from PAGCOR's Chairman and CEO Andrea D. Domingo.

DND ASec Jesus Rey Avilla receiving a check worth Php410 million from PAGCOR Chairman and CEO Andrea Domingo. Photo credits to PAGCOR.

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21 March 2019:

The Philippine Army displayed their new Forward Treatment Facility as part of the display during the service's 122nd founding anniversary.

The display is a proof of concept of what the service wanted to have as standard using Enhanced Frame-type Tents, and a converted Ural truck serving as a surgical truck.

Also displayed were the features of the Forward Treatment Facility, which President Rodrigo Duterte was given a tour and briefing.

The video below from the 122nd founding anniversary celebration of the Philippine Army shows the tour inside the Forward Treatment Facility.

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12 December 2019:

A tender was raised by the Philippine Army Bids and Awards Committee, with tender no. MED PABAC-005-19 with SOBE on 18 November 2019. But it appears that the bidding failed for still unknown reasons.

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18 January 2021:

A second bidding attempt was opened on 20 February 2020, with the SOBE originally scheduled on 11 March 2020. But several bid bulletins were made that pushed the SOBE date to 16 April 2020.

As of 05 January 2021, PhilGEPS confirmed that the bidding has failed and the project placed on hold. So far no new Invitation to Bid was raised by the Philippine Army as of this writing.

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05 July 2021:

A third bidding attempt, has been raised by the Philippine Army on 05 January 2021. SOBE was scheduled on 26 January 2021.

PhilGEPS posted that this bidding attempt failed, and another attempt was opened on April 2021, with a SOBE scheduled on 28 April 2021 and making this the fourth attempt to publicly tender this project.

As of this writing, the tender is considered closed, which means that there is a chance that the tender is successful since its been 3 months and no failure confirmation has been posted.

===============

23 March 2023:

Our parent page MaxDefense Philippines received confirmation that the Forward Treatment Unit Acquisition Project has been procured and was awarded to the Joint Venture of Cylix Technologies Inc and Turkey's Optica Technic LLC.

Optima Technic manufactures mobile and field hospitals, and other facilities used by militaries.

Photos below shows the Forward Treatment Unit from Turkey during the 126th founding anniversary of the Philippine Army last 22 March 2023. It also turns out that the Philippine Army showcased its new surgical trucks last 10 March 2023 at the recently concluded Philippine Army Health Service and Wellness Expo.

Photo credits to MaxDefense Philippines community member who wish to remain anonymous.

Based on the photos, it can be seen that the Mobile Surgical Trucks, in which 8 units were acquired, are using a Chinese-made Dongfeng Tianjin EQ2160 6x6 truck, associated trailers and part of the tent-style unit.

Optima Technic has a standard layout for mobile surgery trucks in its website, which shows that it can accommodate a surgery room. 

According to MaxDefense Philippines' sources, the delivery has been completed and it is being reviewed if additional units will be procured, considering that these are great assets that can support our troops.

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With the Optima Technic Forward Treatment Units already delivered and formally inducted with the Philippine Army, MaxDefense and Philippine Defense Resource officially consider the Forward Treatment Unit Acquisition Project of the Philippine Army as COMPLETED.

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x x x x x x x x x x x 

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First edit and release: 24 March 2023
Copyright MaxDefense Philippines / Philippine Defense Resource

Minor C4ISR Projects of the Philippine Army under the AFPMP Capability Upgrade Program

Due to the numerous minor projects involved in the AFP Modernization Program's Capability Upgrade Program of the Philippine Army and of all other branch services, Philippine Defense Resource decided to combine them to resources pages based on their classification according to Department of National Defense (DND) official documents.

In this case, we focus on Minor C4ISR Projects under the AFPMP Capability Upgrade Program of the Philippine Army, which are projects classified under Force Protection Projects that are less than Php100 million in value.

The project names would still be individually listed in the MaxDefense Philippines' AFP & PCG Modernization Resource Portals and on Philippine Defense Resource's List of Modernization Projects, but will be linked into each of the grouped resource pages of each branch service. Philippine Defense Resource will follow numbering based on its listing from DND documents.

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C4ISR PROJECTS OF THE PHILIPPINE ARMY UNDER THE AFPMP CAPABILITY UPGRADE PROGRAM:

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8. Binoculars Acquisition Project (Joint Acquisition with the Philippine Navy (Marines))

Overview:

The project involves the acquisition of 1,550 new binoculars for both the Philippine Army and Philippine Navy (Marines). 

We do not have the exact quantities for each service branch but it is expected that the Philippine Army received majority of the binoculars ordered.

The project was acquired via Public Bidding and had an Approved Budget for Contract (ABC) worth Php27,350,000.00. The project's bids opening was held on 16 May 2007, with Willi Hanh Enterprises winning the tender and received the NOA on 14 September 2007.

The company supplier the Hahn Commando 7x40 WR binoculars, which are said to be locally made in Cebu. It was said to be similar in quality to imported binocular brands from Sightron, Steiner, Bushnell and Leupold.

It has an independent range finder reticle, built to military specifications, and is shock-proof, fog-proof, and water-proof.

The deliveries were said to have been completed as of July 2008.

The Hahn Commando 7x40 WR Binocular. Photo credits to Project Philippines blog page.

Project Summary:

Binoculars Acquisition Project (Joint Acquisition with the Philippine Navy(Marines)):

Note: Edited as of 11 August 2021.

* End User: Philippine Army and Philippine Navy (Marines)

* Quantity: 1,550 sets

* Modernization Phase: Capability Upgrade Program of the AFP Modernization Program (RA 7898)

* Project ABC: Php27,350,000.00

* Acquisition Mode: Public Bidding

* Source of Funding: GAA Funds through AFP Modernization Program Trust Fund

* Winning Proponent: Willi Hahn Enterprises

* Product for Delivery: Hahn Commando 7x40 WR Binocular

* Contract Price: Php23,242,000.00

* Residual Difference (Savings): Php4,108,000.00

* Status: Unknown quantity received by Philippine Army, although it is expected to be more than what was received by the Philippine Marines. Product delivery completed as of July 2008. PROJECT COMPLETED.

===============

13. Global Positioning System (GPS) Acquisition Project

Overview:

The project involves the acquisition of 3,750 units of new Global Positioning System devices for the Philippine Army to improve navigation and movement of small units.

The project was acquired via Public Bidding and had an Approved Budget for Contract (ABC) worth Php103,550,000.00.

The project's Technical Specifications was approved on 05 January 2006, and a public bidding was opened on 06 March 2007 wherein 5 bidders expressed interest and submitted bids.

The initial bidding process failed, and a second bidding process was opened wherein Garmin Corporation of Taiwan was declared as the Single Calculated Bidder. Garmin Corporation received the Notice of Award (NOA) 21 June 2007 September 2007.

In country tests were conducted on 04 July 2007 in Fort Magsaysay, Nueva Ecija to the satisfaction of the Technical Working Group.

The company supplied its GPSMap 60CS series, which are commercially available and can easily be supported and maintained due to Garmin's presence in the Philippines and many other countries, being one of the largest suppliers of GPS devices globally.

The deliveries were said to have been completed as of April 2008.

The Garmin GPSMAP 60CS.

Project Summary:

Global Positioning System (GPS) Acquisition Project:

Note: Edited as of 17 March 2023.

* End User: Philippine Army 

* Quantity: 3,750 units

* Modernization Phase: Capability Upgrade Program of the AFP Modernization Program (RA 7898)

* Project ABC: Php103,550,000.00

* Acquisition Mode: Public Bidding

* Source of Funding: GAA Funds through AFP Modernization Program Trust Fund

* Winning Proponent: Garmin Corporation

* Product for Delivery: Garmin GPSMAP 60CS 

* Contract Price: Php99,483,565.00

* Residual Difference (Savings): Php4,066,435.00

* Status: Product delivery completed as of April 2008.

===============

15. Digital Camera with Zoom Lens Acquisition Project

Overview:

The project involves the acquisition of 84 units of new Digital DSLR Cameras for the Philippine Army, without mention on how they will be using them. We assume its for a variety of peacetime missions.

The project was acquired via Public Bidding and had an Approved Budget for Contract (ABC) worth Php8,890,000.00.

The project's Technical Specifications was approved on 17 January 2007, and a public bidding was opened wherein 7 bidders expressed interest and submitted bids. 

The Submission and Opening of Bid Envelopes (SOBE) was held on 13 June 2007, although this initial bidding process failed, and a second bidding process was opened wherein the Joint Venture of Values System Philippines Inc. and Canon Marketing Philippines was declared as the Single Calculated Bidder. The Joint Venture received the Notice of Award (NOA) 29 October 2007.

It was not identified what product was supplied but it is obviously from Canon, which is a global leader in DSLR camera technology. MaxDefense Philippines believes it could be a Canon EOS 5D which was around the same price as the winning offer, and was made available in 2005-2006.

The deliveries were said to have been completed as of April 2008.

The Canon EOS 5D, believed to be the one delivered to the Philippine Army. Photo credits to Wikipedia.

Project Summary:

Digital Camera with Zoom Lens Acquisition Project:

Note: Edited as of 17 March 2023.

* End User: Philippine Army 

* Quantity: 84 units

* Modernization Phase: Capability Upgrade Program of the AFP Modernization Program (RA 7898)

* Project ABC: Php8,890,000.00

* Acquisition Mode: Public Bidding

* Source of Funding: GAA Funds through AFP Modernization Program Trust Fund

* Winning Proponent: Values System Philippines Inc. - Canon Marketing Philippines Joint Venture

* Product for Delivery: believed to be Canon EOS 5D DSLR Camera

* Contract Price: Php8,777,000.00

* Residual Difference (Savings): Php113,000.00

* Status: Product delivery completed as of April 2008.

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16. Radio Broadcast System Acquisition Project

Overview:

The project involves the acquisition of 32 units of new Radio Broadcast System for use by the Philippine Army's civil-military operations units, which can be used to enhance the capability of units in information dissemination and in undertaking educational campaigns.

Further information from media sources mentioned that Civil Military Operations Units of each of the Philippine Army's Division-level units were scheduled to receive at least 3 units of the Radio Broadcast System each, which would allow them to operate a short range radio broadcast in far-flung areas.

The project was acquired via Public Bidding and had an Approved Budget for Contract (ABC) worth Php13,180,000.00.

Only 2 bidders showed interest and submitted for the project.

The Joint Venture of Kaissar Electronics and Access International won the tender and  received the Notice of Award (NOA) on 16 October 2007.

It was not identified what product was supplied, and it is difficult to ascertain since both companies do not even have a proper website. 

The deliveries were said to have been completed as of October 2008.

One of the radio broadcast system being used in Negros Occidental in 2013. Photo credits to Philippine Information Agency.

Project Summary:

Radio Broadcast System Acquisition Project:

Note: Edited as of 17 March 2023.

* End User: Philippine Army 

* Quantity: 32 units

* Modernization Phase: Capability Upgrade Program of the AFP Modernization Program (RA 7898)

* Project ABC: Php13,180,000.00

* Acquisition Mode: Public Bidding

* Source of Funding: GAA Funds through AFP Modernization Program Trust Fund

* Winning Proponent: Kaissar Electronics - Access International Joint Venture

* Product for Delivery: unknown model of Radio Broadcast System

* Contract Price: Php12,577,588.00

* Residual Difference (Savings): Php602,412.00

* Status: Product delivery completed as of October 2008.

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26. Civil Military Operations Audio Video System Acquisition Project

Overview:

The project involves the acquisition of 62 units of new Audio Video Systems for use by the Philippine Army's Civil Military Operations units, which can be used to enhance the capability of units in information dissemination and in undertaking educational campaigns.

Not much information has been found regarding this project, including what compose the audio video systems. We assume that it would be mobile, and would probably include televisions or monitors, audio systems, and supporting equipment.

The project was acquired via Public Bidding and had an Approved Budget for Contract (ABC) worth Php38,000,000.00.

No information is also available on who won the tender, and what product they supplied, although we know that the contract price was worth Php37,889,316.00 based on DND reports, and that the project was said to have been completed as of December 2011.

No photos were available although this one from 2021 shows an audio video system of the Civil Military Operations Regiment installed on a Kia KM450 utility vehicle. The one procured in 2011 could be similar to the systems (without the vehicle). Photo credits to CMO Regiment, Philippine Army.

Project Summary:

Civil Military Operations Audio Video System Acquisition Project:

Note: Edited as of 18 March 2023.

* End User: Philippine Army (Civil Military Operations Regiment)

* Quantity: 62 units

* Modernization Phase: Capability Upgrade Program of the AFP Modernization Program (RA 7898)

* Project ABC: Php38,000,000.00

* Acquisition Mode: Public Bidding

* Source of Funding: GAA Funds through AFP Modernization Program Trust Fund

* Winning Proponent: unknown, TBC

* Product for Delivery: unknown, TBC

* Contract Price: Php37,889,316.00

* Residual Difference (Savings): Php110,684.00

* Status: Product delivery completed as of December 2011.

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27. C4I / Geographic Information System (2011) Acquisition Project

Overview:

The project involves the acquisition of 1 lot of new C4I/GIS Equipment for use by the Philippine Army with regards to planning in both tactical and operational level of command.

Based on an interview by Geospatial World with Amred Forces of the Philippines Chief of Command Center BGen Ricardo Nepomuceno, the initial system was a stand-alone platform that provides digitized situation map that provides information on the Philippines' terrain, weather, socio-economic level, and opposing forces. And this was used for day-to-day activities including traditional military operations, non-military and non-traditional activities.

Not much information has been found regarding this project, including what compose the C4/GIS Equipment. Due to the nature of the system, it is believed that this project aims to either upgrade and update the C4I/GIS system already in place (considering the AFP has been using GIS since 2006), or provide the Philippine Army with its own GIS that is connected to the GIS used by the AFP.

The project was acquired via Public Bidding and had an Approved Budget for Contract (ABC) worth Php11,350,000.00.

No information is also available on who won the tender, and what product they supplied, although we know that the contract price was worth Php11,337,500.00 based on DND reports, and that the project was said to have been completed as of May 2012.

A sample of the GIS in use with the AFP, which is expected to be similar to what the Philippine Army could be using. Photo screengrabbed from presentation by BGen. Ricardo Nepomuceno, credits belong to him and to the AFP Command Center.

Project Summary:

C4I / Geographic Information System Acquisition Project:

Note: Edited as of 20 March 2023.

* End User: Philippine Army 

* Quantity: 1 lot

* Modernization Phase: Capability Upgrade Program of the AFP Modernization Program (RA 7898)

* Project ABC: Php11,350,000.00

* Acquisition Mode: Public Bidding

* Source of Funding: GAA Funds through AFP Modernization Program Trust Fund

* Winning Proponent: unknown, TBC

* Product for Delivery: unknown, TBC

* Contract Price: Php11,337,500.00

* Residual Difference (Savings): Php12,500.00

* Status: Product delivery completed as of May 2012.

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33. Global Positioning System (GPS) (2013) Acquisition Project

Overview:

The project involves the acquisition of 840 units of new Global Positioning System devices for the Philippine Army to improve navigation and movement of small units.

The project was acquired via Public Bidding and had an Approved Budget for Contract (ABC) worth Php25,200,000.00.

Not much information has been found regarding this project, including what which contractor won the tender, and what product has been offered and delivered. But DND documents confirm that the project cost was Php20,592,264.00, or Php4.6 million lower than the project ABC.

It can be noted that aside from the Garmin GPSMAP 60CS that were delivered earlier, there were sightings of other Garmin GPS products used by the Philippine Army and displayed during open houses.

The deliveries were said to have been completed as of December 2013.

The Garmin GPSMAP 62s, which is a newer version of the GPSMAP 60CS delivered to the Philippine Army years before. We believe this is what the Philippine Army procured in this project. 

Project Summary:

Global Positioning System (GPS) (2013) Acquisition Project:

Note: Edited as of 20 March 2023.

* End User: Philippine Army 

* Quantity: 840 units

* Modernization Phase: Capability Upgrade Program of the AFP Modernization Program (RA 7898)

* Project ABC: Php25,200,000.00

* Acquisition Mode: Public Bidding

* Source of Funding: GAA Funds through AFP Modernization Program Trust Fund

* Winning Proponent: unknown, TBC, believed to be Garmin Corporation

* Product for Delivery: unknown, TBC, believed to be Garmin GPSMAP 62S 

* Contract Price: Php20,592,264.00

* Residual Difference (Savings): Php4,607,736.00

* Status: Product delivery completed as of December 2013.

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35. Portable Radio Receiver Acquisition Project

Overview:

The project involves the acquisition of 348 units of new Portable Radio Receivers  for the Philippine Army.

The project was acquired via Public Bidding and had an Approved Budget for Contract (ABC) worth Php52,500,000.00.

Not much information has been found regarding this project, including what which contractor won the tender, and what product has been offered and delivered. But DND documents confirm that the project cost was Php52,499,600.00. 

It is believed that it could be a Man-Portable or Vehicle-Mounted Military radio that can be procured through civilian resellers like Motorola. Back in 2013-2014, a Motorola URC-200 (pictured below) has around the same price as the contract value of this project, and can be procured from private resellers in the Philippines.

It would be noted that the Philippine Army operates other base/manpack radios aside from the Harris Falcon II and Falcon III models.

The deliveries were said to have been completed as of July 2014.

A Motorola URC-200 (V2) military line of sight radio receiver. Photo credits to General Dynamics.

Project Summary:

Portable Radio Receiver Acquisition Project:

Note: Edited as of 20 March 2023.

* End User: Philippine Army 

* Quantity: 348 units

* Modernization Phase: Capability Upgrade Program of the AFP Modernization Program (RA 7898)

* Project ABC: Php52,500,000.00

* Acquisition Mode: Public Bidding

* Source of Funding: GAA Funds through AFP Modernization Program Trust Fund

* Winning Proponent: unknown, TBC

* Product for Delivery: unknown, TBC

* Contract Price: Php52,499,600.00

* Residual Difference (Savings): Php400.00

* Status: Product delivery completed as of July 2014.

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36. Audio Video System Acquisition Project

Overview:

The project involves the acquisition of 1 lot of new Audio Video Systems for use by the Philippine Army.

Not much information has been found regarding this project, including which specific unit of the Philippine Army will receive the equipment, as well as what would compose the audio video systems. We assume that it would probably include televisions or monitors, audio systems, and supporting equipment.

The project was acquired via Public Bidding and had an Approved Budget for Contract (ABC) worth Php11,700,000.00.

No information is also available on who won the tender, and what product they supplied, although we know that the contract price was worth Php11,500,000.00 based on DND reports, and that the project was said to have been completed as of November 2014.

Project Summary:

Audio Video System Acquisition Project:

Note: Edited as of 20 March 2023.

* End User: Philippine Army 

* Quantity: 1 lot

* Modernization Phase: Capability Upgrade Program of the AFP Modernization Program (RA 7898)

* Project ABC: Php11,700,000.00

* Acquisition Mode: Public Bidding

* Source of Funding: GAA Funds through AFP Modernization Program Trust Fund

* Winning Proponent: unknown, TBC

* Product for Delivery: unknown, TBC

* Contract Price: Php11,500,000.00

* Residual Difference (Savings): Php200,000.00

* Status: Product delivery completed as of November 2014.

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54. CAFGU Active Auxiliary (CAA) Communications Radio Acquisition Project

Overview:

The project involves the acquisition of 1 lot of new Communication Radios for use by the Citizen Armed Force Geographical Unit (CAFGU) Active Auxiliary units

Not much information has been found regarding this project, including the specific products being procured. Based on what the CAFGU currently have, it is believed that this project focused on acquiring civilian-type handheld and base radios.

The project was acquired via Public Bidding and had an Approved Budget for Contract (ABC) worth Php51,000,000.00.

No information is also available on who won the tender, and what product they supplied, although we know that the contract price was worth Php50,777,778.00 based on DND reports, and that the project was said to have been completed as of December 2015.

The Philippine Army currently use different civilian handheld and mobile/base radios from Motorola and other brands. It is believed the CAFGU could have been issued the same communications radios. Photo credits to original sources.

Project Summary:

CAA Communications Radio Acquisition Project:

Note: Edited as of 20 March 2023.

* End User: Philippine Army 

* Quantity: 1 lot

* Modernization Phase: Capability Upgrade Program of the AFP Modernization Program (RA 7898)

* Project ABC: Php51,000,000.00

* Acquisition Mode: Public Bidding

* Source of Funding: GAA Funds through AFP Modernization Program Trust Fund

* Winning Proponent: unknown, TBC

* Product for Delivery: unknown, TBC

* Contract Price: Php50,777,778.00

* Residual Difference (Savings): Php222,222.00

* Status: Product delivery completed as of December 2015.

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First edit and release: 18 March 2023
Copyright MaxDefense Philippines / Philippine Defense Resource

Mortar Acquisition Project Lot 1 - 60mm Mortar of the Philippine Navy (Marines)

The Department of National Defense (DND) has started the procurement process for the acquisition of Mortars for the Philippine Navy (PN), specifically for its sub-unit, the Philippine Marine Corps (PMC).

These additional new mortars will help improve the firepower and fire support capability of each of the Marine Battalion Landing Teams (MBLT), which are considered by many as under-equipped in terms of fire support assets.

The project, called the Mortar Acquisition Project of the Philippine Navy, is among the Horizon 2 Phase Priority Projects under the Revised AFP Modernization Program (RAFPMP), as covered by Republic Act 10349.

This specific resource page covers the Mortar Acquisition Project Lot 1 - 60mm Mortars.

An M224 60mm mortar used by the US Marine Corps. Photo credits to Military.com.

Project Summary:

Mortar Lot 1 - 60mm Mortar Acquisition Project

Note: edit as of 28 June 2024.

* End User: Philippine Navy (Philippine Marine Corps)

* Quantity: 240 units of 60mm mortars, including support systems, ILS and training

* Modernization Phase: Horizon 2 Phase Priority Projects

* Project ABC: Php444,530,757.00

* Acquisition Mode: Negotiated Procurement / Government-to-Government with Spanish Ministry of Defense.

* Source of Funding: GAA Funds through AFP Modernization Program Trust Fund

* Tender Number: N/A

* SARO Release: 
   - SARO-BMB-D-23-0022489 dated 16 August 2023 (full amount)
   - SARO-BMB-D-24-0004657 dated 25 June 2024 (full amount to replace earlier SARO from 2023 that was not released.

* Winning Proponent: EXPAL Systems S.A. (Spain)

* Product for Delivery: TBC
 
* Contract Price: Php444,435,636.00

* Residual Amount: Php95,121.00

* First post by MaxDefense: June 2019 (see MD's AFP Modernization Program List)

* MaxDefense Searching Hashtag/s: #PN60mmMortarAcquisition #PMC60mmMortarAcquisition

* Status: Mode of Procurement changed to Negotiated Procurement, with Terms of Reference approved on 28 April 2022. SARO for full project amount was released on 16 August 2023. No update on NOA release as of 04 February 2024, although the project's SARO was reissued on 25 June 2024 which means the project was stalled and funding was not released. The project was proposed to become part of the Horizon 2 Subsystems Projects as part of the Horizon 3 phase, but this was reverted back to Horizon 2 as part of the Re-Horizon 3 phase's implementation in 2024. 

Overview:

The Philippine Navy has originally planned to procure a total of 420 units of infantry mortars of different sizes for the Philippine Marine Corps (PMC), consisting of 240 units of 60mm mortars, 120 units of 81mm mortars, and 60 units of 120mm mortars, as part of the Horizons 1 to 3 program of the RAFPMP.

All 420 mortars were programmed for acquisition under the Horizon 2 Phase.

The 60mm mortars are expected to be assigned at a company level as part of a heavy weapons section to support all units operating under the company. 

But the final version of the Horizon 2 Priority Projects list approved by Pres. Rodrigo Roa Duterte and released in June 2018 significantly reduced the budget to just Php694,452,000.00, which effectively reduces the quantity of the mortars that can be acquired.

This can be confirmed with the release of the DND Bids and Awards Committee Resolution No. DND/PN-MAP-81MM-L2-19-04 dated 07 November 2019 which indicated that only 240 units of 60mm mortars, 30 units of 81mm Mortars (instead of 120 units) and 8 units of 120mm mortars (instead of 60 units) would be procured.

The Mortar Acquisition Project was suppose to be funded under the AFP Modernization Program for Fiscal Year 2018, but this was pushed back, with the  Lot 1 - 60mm Mortar Acquisition now funded under AFP Modernization Program for Fiscal Year 2022.

Based on the Procurement Monitoring Report by the DND as of January 2023, the project is still under negotiations, most likely with Spain's EXPAL Systems which already got awarded with the Lots 2 and 3 of the project.

EXPAL previously supplied the Hungarian Ground Forces with its M-08 Combi mortar. A variant of this design could be the one EXPAL could offer to the Philippine Navy. Photo credits to Wikipedia.

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U P D A T E S:
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06 March 2023:

The DND has released a Procurement Monitoring Report as of January 2023 indicating that the Lot 1 - 60mm Mortar Acquisition Project is still being negotiated and has not yet moved on beyond that process.

This is one of the projects that we would be watching this year as it is expected to be awarded soon, as its funding might expire and it would not be in the best interest of the DND and the Philippine Navy.

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22 August 2023:

The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has released the SARO for the full amount of the project's cost as of 16 August 2023.

Based on the SARO, the amount is different from the budget which means that the SARO amount is the contract value with the winning proponent costing Php444,435,636.00, or Php95,121.00 less than the ABC.

Also, we received confirmation that Spain's EXPAL Systems is the supplier for this project, which is also the same supplier for the Philippine Navy (Marines) 81mm and 120mm Mortar Acquisition Projects.

SARO screenshot showing the actual SARO release details. Photo screenshot from DBM SARO 2023 listing.

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28 June 2024:

The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has re-issued the SARO for the project, worth the full contract cost, as of 25 June 2024.

This means that despite the issuance of SARO in 2023, the project appears to have not pushed through, and it was only in 2024 that the issue was settled.

It remains to be seen what the issue was that held the project for a year.

Screenshot from DBM SARO 2024.

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First edit and release: 06 March 2023
Copyright MaxDefense Philippines / Philippine Defense Resource