Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL), a government-enterprise, has issued a tender for the balance of system (BoS) components for a 20 MW (AC) grid-connected solar power project at NTPC Gandhar in Gujarat.

The last date to submit the bids is November 10, 2020, and the bids will be opened on the same date. Interested bidders will not have to pay any amount as the earnest money deposit (EMD) to participate in the bidding process.

To take part in the bidding process, the vendor should have executed contracts for the electrical installation of a minimum capacity of 33kV in power projects or sub-stations in India with a scope including both supply and installation for a cumulative value of at least ₹20 million (~$268,140). The individual contract values should not be less than ₹5 million (~$67,034) within the last three years from the tender opening date. Also, under the financial criteria, the vendor should have achieved a minimum annual average financial turnover of ₹20 million (~$268,140) in the previous three financial years.

As per the tender document, benefits and facilities will be applicable for micro and small enterprises registered with the government designated authorities. Medium and small enterprises (MSEs) quoting within a price band of L1 + 15% will be allowed to supply up to 25% of the requirement. Out of the 25%, 3% has been earmarked for women-owned MSEs, and 6.25% has been earmarked for SC/ST owned MSE firms.

According to Mercom’s India Solar Tender Tracker, BHEL has so far issued 232 MW of tenders to supply BoS components for solar power projects.

For instance, in August, BHEL floated a tender for 5 MW of power conditioning units for NTPC’s 20 MW solar project in Gandhar. Quotes were invited under a two-part bid system for the supply, installation, and commissioning of these units along with a comprehensive annual maintenance contract for ten years.

It also issued a tender for string monitoring boxes with wireless communication for NTPC Limited’s Gandhar solar project in July. BHEL had issued the tender for the supply of 104 string monitoring boxes, four wireless receiver systems for supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA), and other spare components.

Previously, Mercom had reported that NTPC was looking for an engineering procurement construction (EPC) contractor to develop a 21 MW grid-connected solar PV project in Gandhar.

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