Manila, Philippines – Today, the U.S. Trade and Development Agency awarded a grant to the Republic of the Philippines to fund two senior advisors to support the Department of Transportation (DOTr) in its efforts to achieve the best value for money for upcoming transportation infrastructure procurements in the aviation sector.

The advisors, to be selected by the DOTr from qualified U.S. firms, will provide strategic and technical procurement assistance to help the DOTr establish transparent and high quality procurement practices, including the use of life-cycle cost analysis, to contribute to the sustainable development of the country’s aviation infrastructure.

“This grant demonstrates our countries’ mutual commitment to obtaining the highest quality and best value for public funds,” said USTDA’s Director for Global Programs, Andrea Lupo.

U.S. Ambassador Sung Kim, who signed on behalf of USTDA, added, “This grant will ensure that Philippine procurement officials are able to make informed decisions on infrastructure projects in the aviation sector, that is vital to economic growth.”

“The Philippine government is steadfast in its efforts to curb corruption,” said DOTr Secretary Arthur Tugade.
“This grant will help ensure that the Filipino people get the projects that they deserve, especially on the infrastructure front. We thank USTDA for its trust and confidence.”

The grant marks the third phase of USTDA’s ongoing partnership with the Philippines under USTDA’s Global Procurement Initiative: Understanding Best Value, which through training and other resources, helps public procurement officials establish practices and policies that integrate life-cycle cost analysis and best-value determination in a fair, transparent manner.