SJVN Limited has issued a Request for Selection (RfS) for the design, supply, installation, testing, and commissioning of 18 MW grid-connected rooftop solar projects under the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana. The projects will be implemented on Union Government buildings without battery storage.
The bidding process follows a sealed bid system with a single-stage, two-envelope format. An e-reverse auction may also be conducted if applicable. The last date for submission of bids has not been explicitly mentioned but is crucial for bidders to note as per Clause 1.3 of the RfS.
Bidders must submit an Earnest Money Deposit (EMD) of INR 1000 per kW of the total quoted capacity. This can be provided in the form of a Bank Guarantee as per Format 7.3A and must be valid for 12 months from the last date of bid submission. The Bank Guarantee for EMD must be issued by a Scheduled Commercial Bank listed on the Reserve Bank of India’s website and endorsed by an Indian branch in case of issuance by a foreign branch.
Additionally, a Performance Bank Guarantee (PBG) is required at a rate of INR 2500 per kW of the accepted final project capacity. This must be submitted within 10 days from intimation for signing the Power Purchase Agreement (PPA). The PBG must remain valid for 12 months beyond the Scheduled Commissioning Date (SCD). Failure to provide this guarantee will result in the forfeiture of the EMD.
SJVN has provided an alternative option to the EMD Bank Guarantee. Bidders can submit a Payment on Order Instrument (POI) issued by the Indian Renewable Development Agency (IREDA), Power Finance Corporation (PFC), or REC Limited. This instrument serves as an undertaking for payment under conditions where the EMD would be encashed.
The selected bidders must execute the PPA with SJVN within the stipulated timeline as per Clause 6.12 of the RfS. If a bidder fails to submit the necessary documents, meet eligibility criteria, or sign the PPA, SJVN reserves the right to encash the EMD or PBG as liquidated damages. In such a case, the project allocation will be canceled.
Bank Guarantees must be executed on non-judicial stamp paper of appropriate value as per the Stamp Act relevant to the place of execution. All costs related to the execution of these guarantees, such as stamp duty, shall be borne by the bidders.
The bidding process requires digital submission through the Bharat Electronic Tender System (ETS). Bidders must procure a Class III Digital Signature Certificate and register on the portal before submitting their bids. The ETS also provides a detailed report titled ‘Minutes of Online Tender Opening Event (TOE),’ which is available to all participating bidders for viewing and downloading.
After the bidding process concludes, unsuccessful bidders will have their EMDs returned within 30 days of issuing the Letter of Award to successful bidders. The PBG will be released within 30 days from the expiration of its validity as per the terms of the PPA.
Bidders are advised to regularly check SJVN’s website and the ETS portal for updates, addenda, or amendments to the RfS. Any modifications to the document will be published online without separate press notifications. This tender represents a significant step in India’s push for rooftop solar adoption under the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana, promoting renewable energy integration across government buildings.
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