The Military Engineer Services (MES) has invited bids for a 1.5 MW of solar project at the Air Force Station in Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu.

The estimated cost of the project is ₹116.3 million (~$1.6 million). Interested bidders are expected to make an earnest money deposit (EMD) of ₹906,500 (~$12,209). The last date for the submission of bids is October 14, 2020.

The first phase of the project is expected to be completed in one year, while the second is to be completed in two years.

The general scope of work for the project includes engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) of the grid-connected solar projects. It also includes commissioning the projects and providing comprehensive operations and maintenance (O&M) services. Selected bidders must submit one year of O&M services for each phase of the project.

The MES said that all contractors who are enlisted with it and are graded “Class S” and above are eligible to apply. It also added that enlisted contractors who are approved by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) as channel partners and fulfill the criteria for un-enlisted contractors would be considered eligible for participation.

Meanwhile, to be eligible to place bids, all other contractors must have completed solar power projects in government departments or public sector undertakings (PSUs) in the last seven years.

These applicants must have also executed at least one similar project, which is at least 80% of the capacity of the floated tender or two such projects of 50% of the tendered capacity each, or three projects that are 40% of the issued capacity each. This applies to MNRE-approved channel partners, as well.

Previously, Mercom reported that MES had invited bids for the development of a 1 MW solar power project along with allied infrastructure at Jorhat in Assam.

Before that, the Military Engineer Services had issued a notice inviting tender for the development of a 1 MW solar power project at Sigar in Arunachal Pradesh.