ITI Seeks Partner for 10 MW Solar Project at Naini Under Open Access Model

ITI Ltd., a Public Sector Undertaking under the Department of Telecommunication, Ministry of Communication and IT, has issued a Request for Proposal (RfP) to select a business partner for setting up a 10 MW (AC) ground-mounted grid-connected solar power plant at ITI Ltd., Naini, along with identifying suitable solar power purchasers.

The project will be implemented under an open access model, where the successful bidder will be responsible for supplying and selling electricity for 25 years as per the terms and conditions of the Tripartite Power Purchase Agreement (PPA). The agreement will be signed between ITI Limited, the solar power purchaser, and the selected bidder.

The selected bidder will be responsible for the supply, installation, commissioning, and maintenance of the solar power plant, including establishing power evacuation infrastructure to connect to the UPPCL substation. The scope of work involves the installation of essential equipment such as switching gear, transformers (CT/PT), lightning arresters (LA), isolators, insulators, supporting structures, and control panels. Additionally, the bidder must undertake land leveling, civil construction, fencing, security arrangements, site lighting, and develop a control room with the necessary infrastructure. All permits and clearances from the state government and local authorities must be obtained by the bidder, with ITI Ltd. providing assistance where necessary. In case the site includes a forest strip, the bidder must secure approvals under the Forest Act.

The RfP document is priced at INR 10,000, and interested bidders must submit an Earnest Money Deposit (EMD) of INR 10 lakh, valid for 120 days. No exemptions will be granted to MSMEs or startups. The EMD will be refunded upon submission of a Performance Bank Guarantee (PBG) of INR 1 crore, valid for 24 months, in the form of FDR/CDR or BG. Failure to submit the PBG will result in forfeiture of the EMD, and ITI Ltd. will consider the bidder no longer interested in executing the PPA.

To qualify technically, bidders must be incorporated in India and have at least three years of experience in the solar industry, along with a cumulative past experience of 6 MW in grid-interactive or off-grid SPV systems, including at least one 2 MW plant. They must provide documentation such as incorporation certificates, work completion certificates, PAN card, GST registration, and a Power of Attorney.

Financially, bidders must have a minimum average annual turnover of INR 30 crore over any three of the last five financial years and maintain a positive net worth, supported by audited financial statements and an auditor’s certificate. Startups and MSMEs may receive relaxations in financial criteria as per DIPP guidelines.

Bidders are free to choose any solar PV power generation technology, provided it complies with IS/IEC standards and is approved by MNRE/GoI. The project aims to promote established technologies to minimize risk and ensure timely commissioning. The bidder is responsible for all civil works, including control and switch room construction, ensuring compliance with technical and safety standards.

Further terms require the solar power developer to ensure that ITI’s maintenance work is not obstructed, maintain the Capacity Utilization Factor (CUF), submit detailed layout plans for vetting, and ensure sufficient height for cleaning and maintenance. The developer is also responsible for all safety-related works, any necessary building or structure construction, and obtaining No Objection Certificates (NoCs) from relevant departments.

The last date for submitting queries is 17th March 2025, while the bid submission deadline is 2nd April 2025. The technical bid will be opened on 3rd April 2025, while the financial bid opening date will be communicated later to technically qualified bidders.