West Bengal issues O&M bids for 3.5 MW rooftop solar project

The West Bengal Power Development Corporation (WBPDCL) has issued a tender for the operation and maintenance (O&M) of a 3.5 MW rooftop solar project at the Sagardighi thermal power plant. The deadline for bid submissions is September 6, 2024, with bids set to be opened on September 10. The tender is valued at Rs 5.24 million for a two-year period. Interested bidders must submit an earnest money deposit of Rs 1.04 million. If the accepted bid is 80% or less of the estimated value, the winning bidder will need to provide an additional performance security amounting to 10% of the tendered value. The scope of work includes all aspects of operation and maintenance, covering administrative tasks, daily operations, and preventive, corrective, and condition-based maintenance. Bidders will be responsible for maintaining operational reports, module washing, and part replacements. To qualify, bidders must have experience in O&M for at least one 2 MW ground-mounted or 1 MW rooftop or floating solar project within the last seven years. They must also meet one of the following financial criteria:

- A single order worth at least Rs 2.1 million per year - Two orders worth at least Rs 1.31 million per year, each - Three orders worth at least Rs 1.05 million per year, each

Additionally, bidders must provide a bank guarantee equal to 10% of the contract value as a security deposit, or 10% will be deducted from their monthly bill, to be released three months after contract completion. The average annual turnover for the last three fiscal years must be at least Rs 786,000, with a positive net worth each year.

Earlier this year, WBPDCL invited bids for other solar projects, including a 10 MW ground-mounted project at the Sagardighi site and another 10 MW project along the Teesta Canal in Uttar Dinajpur. (Mercom)