THE Commission on Elections (Comelec) is pushing back the deadline for the submission and opening of the bids for the Online Voting and Counting System (OVCS) set for use in the 2025 overseas voting.
In its Bid Bulletin No.1, the Comelec – Special Bids and Awards Committee (SBAC) said the deadline for the submission and the opening of the bids will now be on February 20, 2024.
“This Supplemental/Bid Bulletin No. 1 is being issued to notify the public and all interested parties that the scheduled Submission, Receipt, and Opening of Bids is reset from 08 February 2024 to 20 February 2024,” said the SBAC.
The SBAC said the postponement will give prospective bidders more time to prepare their bids.
“(This is) to give ample time to all bidders to prepare their bids due to the magnitude and numerous requirements of the project,” said the SBAC.
Last month, the Comelec opened the public bidding for the OVCS with an Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC) at P465,810,926.57.
The system will be used by the Comelec for the overseas voters in the 2025 midterm elections.
The OVCS is expected to boost interest from Filipinos abroad to become registered overseas voters and to increase overseas voting turnout.
The SBAC said the venue for the submission and receipt of bids is still at the SBAC Secretariat Office located at the Far East Managers and Investors Incorporated (FEMII) Building in Intramuros, Manila at 9 a.m.
On the other hand, the opening of bids will be held at the Bureau of Treasury (BTR) convention hall at the Palacio del Gobernador Building in Intramuros, Manila at 10:30 am.
