OREDA Invites Bids for Solar Water Pumps under PM-KUSUM Scheme

The Odisha Renewable Energy Development Agency (OREDA) has issued a tender for the design, supply, installation, testing, and commissioning of approximately 10,000 standalone Solar Photovoltaic Water Pumping Systems (SPWPS) under Component B of the PM-KUSUM scheme.

The project aims to enhance irrigation access and promote renewable energy in rural areas of Odisha. The pumps will have capacities ranging from 1 HP to 7.5 HP, with strict adherence to the use of indigenously manufactured components that comply with the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) guidelines.

Vendors selected for the project will be required to provide a full system warranty along with insurance, repair, and maintenance services for a period of five years after commissioning.

The eligibility criteria for this tender are divided into two categories: Category A and Category B. Category A is open to all registered bidders across India who meet the technical and financial qualifications required by OREDA. This category allows for the participation of consortiums, provided they form a special purpose vehicle (SPV) with consistent shareholding. Category B is reserved for local MSMEs that are registered in Odisha under NIC Code 35105. Local MSMEs benefit from certain exemptions, making it easier for smaller enterprises to participate. However, bidders are prohibited from participating in both categories simultaneously or from having overlapping affiliations.

To participate, vendors must meet strict technical and financial eligibility requirements. Technical eligibility includes specific experience and qualifications. EPC contractors must have installed at least 500 solar pumps in Odisha or 1,000 solar pumps across India in the last five years. Manufacturers of solar PV modules must have supplied at least 5 MW of solar panels in India and installed at least 200 solar pumps in Odisha. Manufacturers of solar pumps or controllers must have supplied at least 5,000 solar pumps across India and installed at least 200 solar pumps in Odisha.

Financial eligibility requires bidders to demonstrate strong financial stability. Bidders must meet the Minimum Average Annual Turnover (MAAT) requirement of INR 7 crore over the last three years, with profitability in at least two of the last three financial years. The bidders must also demonstrate a net worth not less than their paid-up capital in the financial year 2023-24. In addition, bidders must provide liquidity proof through working capital or a line of credit for the financial year 2023-24.

Foreign entities are not permitted to participate unless they are registered in India and adhere to the Department of Expenditure guidelines for entities from countries sharing a land border with India. Moreover, any bidder involved in liquidation or ongoing litigation that could impede project execution will be disqualified.

The vendors selected will be responsible for ensuring the installation of the systems within 90 days of receiving the Notice to Proceed (NTP). They will also need to establish service centres in each operational district and provide training to local technicians, ensuring that the systems are maintained and operated efficiently. The systems must have a minimum operational uptime of 95 percent, and the integration of Remote Monitoring Systems (RMS) for real-time data sharing with OREDA and MNRE is mandatory.

The deadline for pre-bid queries is set for January 15, 2025. A virtual pre-bid meeting will take place on January 17, 2025, and the deadline for the online submission of technical and price bids is February 10, 2025. Hard copies of the bid documents must be submitted by February 13, 2025, and the technical bids will be opened on February 13, 2025.

Bidders are required to submit an earnest money deposit (EMD) of INR 30 lakh in the form of a bank guarantee valid for 24 months. The amount for the tender document is INR 12,390, including GST. Non-compliance with the terms may result in penalties, including blacklisting and encashment of guarantees.

This project is expected to play a significant role in Odisha’s renewable energy and rural development goals by providing sustainable and cost-effective irrigation solutions, reducing dependence on conventional energy sources, and promoting solar energy.