1. Invitation to Submit Proposal

The Social Protection, Inclusion and Gender Equality (SPRING) Program invites qualified and experienced contractors to submit technical and financial proposals for the fit-out of its Tacloban Sub-Office at the Halfway House for Women and Children, Government Center, Pawing, Palo, Leyte, Philippines. The assignment covers the improvement of the existing space and its conversion into a functional, safe, accessible, professional and ready-to-use SPRING office in accordance with the approved design, specifications, applicable Philippine codes and the requirements of the RFP.

Bidders are expected to review the site conditions and design documents, verify measurements before fabrication or installation, and include all labor, supervision, materials, tools, equipment, transport, testing, commissioning, permits and incidental works necessary for complete delivery.

About SPRING

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) Social Protection, Inclusion and Gender Equality (SPRING) program is Australia's flagship investment supporting the Philippine Government on social protection, gender equality, disability, social inclusion and Indigenous inclusion. It is an AUD 40 million investment over five years supporting the joint Development Partnership Plan between the Australian and Philippine Governments.

SPRING's objective is for Australia to work in partnership with the Philippine Government to improve systems and structures that reduce poverty and inequality and advance gender equality and the rights of people with disabilities.

SPRING has four mutually reinforcing End of Program Outcomes:

1. Philippine Government social protection plans, policies and programs increasingly close gaps in the social protection floor.
2. The Department of Social Welfare and Development and select LGU systems increasingly deliver quality social protection that is inclusive, gender and shock responsive, and climate sensitive.
3. The Philippine Government increasingly invests in gender responsive policies, plans, programs and systems.
4. The Philippine Government improves data, systems and targeting to enable people with disability and Indigenous Peoples improved access to targeted services.

2. Project Background and Context

SPRING is Australia's flagship economic growth program in the Philippines, funded by the Australian Government through the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) and implemented by Cowater International. SPRING works with national and local government partners, the private sector and communities to promote inclusive, climate-resilient and sustainable economic growth. 

As part of its engagement in Leyte, SPRING intends to establish a sub-office at the Halfway House forWomen and Children, Government Center, Pawing, Palo to support program operations, stakeholder engagement and coordination activities. 

SPRING will improve the existing office space at the SC Day Center, Government Center, Pawing, Palo, Leyte and convert it into a functional, safe, accessible and professional sub-office. 

The attached Design Brief sets out the minimum functional and accessibility requirements for the office fit-out. Bidders shall verify actual site dimensions and existing conditions before finalizing their proposal and before fabrication or installation. 

Bidders shall: 

(a) submit a proposal that meets all minimum requirements in Annex A; and 

(b) clearly identify and justify any proposed alternative materials or technical solutions that meet or exceed the required functionality, safety, accessibility and value for money. 

Any proposed alternative must clearly identify departures from the Design Brief and explain the rationale and benefits of the proposed approach. 

3. Objectives of the Assignment

• Complete the improvement and conversion of the existing space into a fully functional SPRING office.
• Deliver the fit-out in accordance with the approved design intent, technical requirements, applicable Philippine standards and site requirements.

• Provide complete, safe and good-quality architectural, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, furniture/fixture and finishing works necessary for occupancy and operation.

   

4. Scope of Works

The successful contractor will be responsible for:

• Accessible toilet upgrade
• Pantry improvement
• Conference room construction and furnishing
• Workstation area and storage cabinets
• Ceiling and electrical works
• Accessibility ramp
• Alternate emergency exit
• General fit-out and finishing works
• Fire and life safety requirements
• Furniture, fixtures and equipment installation

Please refer to the full RFP and annexes for detailed specifications and requirements.

5. Proposal Requirements

Bidders should submit a complete proposal containing two parts: technical and financial. Failure to provide material information may affect the evaluation proposal. The indicative maximum budget available for this procurement is approximately PHP 800,000, inclusive of all applicable taxes, transport, testing, and commissioning costs.

Please refer to the full RFP and annexes for the detailed components of the proposal requirements.

6. Proposed RFP Timeline

• Site visit / pre-bid meeting: 15 October 2026
• Deadline for written questions: 20 October 2026
• Proposal submission deadline: 30 October 2026
• Notice of award / contract finalization: 10 November 2026
• Target mobilisation: 15 November 2026
• Target completion / turnover: 15 December 2026

SPRING may amend the above timetable. Any change affecting bidders will be communicated through the same channel used to issue the RFP.

7. Contractor Qualifications

• Valid and current Philippine business registration and permits applicable to the bidder. 
• Valid BIR Certificate of Registration and ability to issue official invoices/receipts compliant with Philippine requirements. 
• Valid PCAB license appropriate to the nature and value of the works. 
• Demonstrated experience in office fit-out, renovation or similar interior construction assignments. 
• Availability of qualified technical personnel and an accountable site supervisor. 
• Capacity to mobilize to Palo, Leyte and complete the works within the proposed schedule. 

• Ability to comply with occupational health and safety, fire/life safety, environmental and site rules. 

   

8. Full RFP and Supporting Documents

Interested bidders must review the full RFP and supporting documents before preparing their proposal:

• Full RFP, including Annexes A-E: [insert link here]

The full specifications, deliverables, evaluation criteria, contractual conditions and required forms are contained in these documents.

9. Proposal Submission Instructions

Submit the technical and financial proposals electronically by the stated deadline. The technical proposal and financial proposal should be clearly identified. Late or materially incomplete submissions may be excluded from evaluation.

• Technical Proposal: clearly labelled and containing the information required in the full RFP
• Financial Proposal: clearly labelled and containing the information required in the full RFP
• Supporting / due diligence documents: included as separate attachments where practical

Submission email / portal: procuremnet@springphilippines.org

Deadline: 30 October 2026, 5:00 PM Philippine Standard Time

Required email subject: Proposal - Office Fit-Out - Tacloban Sub-Office - [Bidder Name]

Late or incomplete proposals may be rejected at SPRING's discretion. Bidders are responsible for ensuring that their submissions are received before the deadline.