2 bidders in the running for fuel marking system contract

Two bidders will officially slug it out for the contract to establish a nationwide fuel marking system as part of the government’s bid to arrest oil smuggling under the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) Law.

Jaime M. Navarrete Jr., chair of the Department of Budget and Management-Procurement Service’s (DBM-PS) bids and awards committee for the fuel marking system, told the Inquirer that Texas-based Authentix Inc. and a joint venture between Switzerland-based SICPA SA and SGS Philippines Inc. were qualified to bid as consultants.

On the DBM-PS website, Navarrete said that based on the eligibility documents submitted by the two prospective bidders last June 20, SICPA and SGS’ joint venture scored 96.25, while Authentix’s score was 94.75.

The two will be entitled to an open competitive bidding procedures under the implementing guidelines of Republic Act No. 9184 or the Government Procurement Reform Act.

The DBM-PS and the Bureau of Customs earlier set the price ceiling for the fuel marking at P0.08 per liter over a five-year period.

The firm to be chosen by the government is expected to assist in establishing a system that will supply and inject fuel markers in all taxable oil products, except Jet A-1, Avgas, crude oil and LPG, implement and manage a fuel testing program, train and ensure technology transfer to BOC and Bureau of Internal Revenue personnel.