The Electricity Department of Daman and Diu has floated a tender for the enhancement of 2.56 MW_dc capacity at an existing 6 MW_dc solar power project and the enhancement of 4.91 MW_dc capacity at a 3 MW_dc solar power project in Diu.

The scope of work includes the operation and maintenance (O&M) of the projects.

Bidders must submit a non-refundable processing fee of ₹20,000 (~$240.91) in the form of a demand draft.

Bidders have to submit an earnest money deposit of ₹5 million (~$60,229).

The successful bidder must submit a performance bank guarantee equivalent to 10% of the contract value within fourteen days from the issuance of the letter of award or work order.

The last date for the submission of bids is February 27, 2024. Bids will be opened on February 29.

Bidders should be reputable engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) contractors with expertise in the design, supply, installation, testing, commissioning, and operation and maintenance of ground-mounted solar power projects for a minimum of 3 MW at a single location.

Additionally, the bidder or joint venture (JV) partner should have experience working in an 11 KV or higher power system over the past three years.

The maximum number of JV partners should not exceed two, and the JV agreement must clearly designate the lead partner with authority to fulfill the duties outlined in the tender.

None of the single bidders or JV partners should be under any government, private, or public company ban or blacklist.

Bidders’ net worth must be positive, and the average annual financial turnover for any three out of the last five accounting years, ending on March 31, 2023, should be at least ₹500 million (~$6.02 million) for each JV partner individually.

The project must utilize solar modules with a minimum rating of 540 Wp, featuring a Mono PERC rating. Additionally, a central inverter (Power Conditioner Unit – PCU) with a minimum rating of 1 MW is necessary, with a preference for manufacturers such as Fimer (ABB) or Delta.

The initial year of O&M will serve as the defect liability period and must be provided free of charge. Following this, the successful bidder will be responsible for an additional five years of O&M.

Maintenance of major items must adhere to original equipment manufacturer recommendations. The contractor is obligated to comply with any guidelines issued by the electricity department.

The O&M contractor must coordinate with existing plant agencies. The O&M charges, totaling 15% of the contract value, will be retained by the Electricity Department for five years.

After the first year, 3% of this amount, subject to any deductions or adjustments, will be released at the successful completion of each subsequent contract year, starting from the second year. The project must be handed over in full working condition upon the expiry of the contract period.

Last year, the Electricity Department of Daman and Diu issued an O&M tender for 10 MW of ground-mounted grid-connected solar projects in the union territory.

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