BCDA reopens bidding for P2.5 billion New Clark ICT

MANILA, Philippines — State-run Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) is seeking bids anew for the P2.5 billion commercialization of the passive information and communications technology (ICT) infrastructure in New Clark City in Tarlac.

In a statement yesterday, the BCDA said the government, with assistance from the Asian Development Bank, is in the process of selecting a joint venture partner for the commercialization, expansion, repair and maintenance of New Clark City’s ICT project.

The project will be implemented under the “Open Access Fiber” model, which means the infrastructure will be owned and maintained by a neutral entity that will lease access to ICT service providers that will cater to government agencies, enterprises and residents in New Clark City.

Through this model, the BCDA said multiple data transmission providers will be able to provide affordable and carrier-grade ICT services.

The Open Access Fiber model is also expected to play a key role in the BCDA’s planned smart city development and e-government solutions in New Clark City.

The project is being offered once again after the bidding launched in 2023 failed as bidders were found ineligible to implement the undertaking.

While an invitation to bid for the project was issued in February this year, the process was canceled to align with the process and requirements of the Public-Private Partnership Code and its implementing rules and regulations.

For this bidding round, the BCDA is aiming to conclude the selection process within the year, with the signing of the joint venture agreement targeted in the fourth quarter.

A pre-qualification conference for the project will be held this June 4 at 2 p.m. at the ADB headquarters in Mandaluyong City.

Interested parties may submit their bids until Sept. 4, 2025 at the BCDA Corporate Office in Taguig.

“More than providing fast and affordable internet connection to residents and businesses, this project will become pivotal in the smart urban development of New Clark City,” BCDA president and CEO Joshua Bingcang said.

“This will also help usher the fifth industrial revolution in the country, attracting high-value investments in the digital and high-tech industries and creating demand for highly skilled Filipino workers in these sectors,” he said.