EESL Invites Bids for 70 MW Solar Power Projects in Maharashtra

India has received financing from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to support 'Scaling Up Demand-Side Energy Efficiency Sector Project'. A part of this funding will be allocated for contracts under the project, and bidding is open to eligible bidders from ADB’s source countries.

To this end, Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL), is seeking sealed bids for a comprehensive contract involving the design, engineering, supply, construction, erection, testing, commissioning, operation, and comprehensive maintenance of Solar Power Generating Systems (SPGS). The project involves up to 70 MW of solar power, with individual systems ranging from 2 MW to 10 MW. The work is divided into three lots: Lot 1 with a capacity of 30 MW, Lot 2 with 20 MW, and Lot 3 with 20 MW, all located at various sites in Maharashtra.

In addition to the main contract, separate bespoke Operation and Maintenance contracts will be required for each lot, respectively. Bidders should review the detailed scope of work provided in the bidding documents.

The procurement is organised into three lots, categorized as Package 1-Lot 1, Package 1-Lot 2, and Package 1-Lot 3. Bids will be evaluated based on a contract, combination of contracts, or total contracts to determine the least cost combination for the Employer, considering any discounts offered for multiple contracts. International Competitive Bidding will adhere to ADB’s Single Stage: Two-Envelope Bidding Procedure and is open to all bidders from eligible countries as specified in the Bidding Document.

The complete Bidding Documents, including any tender drawings, can be inspected and downloaded from EESL’s e-procurement portal starting from  8 August 2024 until 20 September 2024.  The deadline for bid submission is 20 September 2024.

Key qualifying requirements include experience and technical capacity, financial criteria, and specific requirements for bidders. Bidders must have participated as an EPC contractor, Joint Venture partner, or Subcontractor in at least one EPC contract of similar size and nature, with values specified for each lot. Alternatively, experience in multiple contracts is acceptable. Additionally, bidders must meet financial criteria, including positive net worth, average annual turnover, and sufficient financial resources.

Interested bidders must register on the e-Portal. Digital Signature Certificates (DSCs) are required for e-Procurement, and bidders are responsible for acquiring and securing their DSCs.

Further information can be obtained from the Head (Contracts) at EESL during working hours before the bid submission deadline. Original documents, including the Bid Security, Joint Venture Agreement, Power of Attorney, and an affidavit regarding the correctness of the bid information, must be submitted by the deadline. Soft copies of bids can also be uploaded by the same deadline. The Technical Bid will be opened online on 20 September 2024, with the Price Bid opening schedule to be notified separately. EESL is not responsible for delays due to system failures beyond its control and bidders are responsible for verifying the website for updates.

Alternative bids are not permitted. A Pre-Bid conference will be held both physically and virtually at 15:30 Hrs on 12 August 2024, with a link for the meeting available on the tender portal in advance.  In bid comparisons, ADB’s Domestic Preference Scheme will be applied according to the Bidding Documents.